Assessing the compliance of the Free State Province with the South African Social Security Agency's management system

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the compliance of the Free State Province with the South African Social Security Agency’s management system. Both exploratory and descriptive design was employed using a quantitative research approach with 120 SASSA employees constituting the sample. A survey was carried out using a self-administered online questionnaire to collect the required primary data. Statistics which were used to study sample composition were descriptive as well as the variables under investigation. Furthermore, exploratory factor analysis was performed using principal component analysis in order to reduce the number of items used to measure the constructs. Besides, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to determine the reliability and validity of the scale. The findings suggest that managers, employees, supervisors, union representatives and human resource management are the key stakeholders in PMDS implementation. It was also revealed that employees are submitting their performance agreements and assessments within the specified timeframe and SASSA management ensure that performance agreements are signed and submitted to HR before the set dates. Although employees are playing their part in the PMS compliance, it was established that there are non-complaints to PMS within SASSA in Free State province. The study results showed that PMDS should be continuously be trained to employees, and monitoring and evaluation of performance be prioritised to avoid the recurring patterns and errors of performance management in SASSA. Understanding the perceptions of key stakeholders may assist SASSA in Free State to realise their organizational objectives through the most efficient use of the PMDS. This study could provide valuable information that could assist in the development of PMS regulations and policies by the Department of Social Development to foster employee productivity through effective and efficient PMS processes.