Exploring the effectiveness of a performance enhancement programme within an electricity supply company

Abstract

Poor employee performance is one of employer’s most common challenges. The study aims to explore the effectiveness of a Performance Enhancement Programme (PEP) used within an electricity supply company and identifying the contributing factors for managers and supervisors not utilizing the programme. The research method consists of two parts, a literary review and an empirical study. The empirical study was done by means of a survey conducted on a sample of 210 Eskom supervisors and managers of the North Western Region of Eskom. The measuring instrument consisted of a structured questionnaire, developed by the researcher. The results revealed that supervisors and managers are using PEP and that they see it as a good tool to manage poor performance. Respondents indicated very clearly that they need training to be able to address poor performance. The findings concerning the effectiveness of the PEP were inconclusive. The small sample size was a limitation to the study. The questionnaire proved to be lacking in determining the effectiveness of the Performance Enhancement Programme. The sample only included supervisors and managers in the North Western Region of Eskom. Further research needs to be conducted with a larger sample including employees on all levels.