Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Performance Appraisal is a major subject of controversy in management circles. While business leaders see the need for appraisal systems, they are frequently disappointed in them. One of the responsibilities of management is to ensure that an organization functions effectively and efficiently. In order to achieve these goals, managers must be able to determine and assess performance levels of both an organization and its individual employees (Kurt 2004).
Modern businesses depend upon measurement and analysis of performance. Measurements must derive from the company’s strategy and provide critical data and information about key processes, outputs and results. Data and analysis support a variety of company purposes, such as planning, reviewing company performance, improving operations, and comparing company performance with competitors’ or with ‘best practices’ benchmarks (Averson, 1998).
1.2 Statement of the problem
Performance appraisal provides a good opportunity to formally recognize employees’ achievements and contributions to the organization, and to ensure that a clear link is established and maintained between performance and reward. Employees of First Bank Plc in recent times have been accused of high level of inefficiencies in the discharge of their duties by the general public. However, it was recently that research had revealed the deplorable working conditions under which financial professionals’ work. Poor infrastructure, inadequate logistics and equipment, poor remuneration and inadequate reward system have always led to the low level of public confidence and respect in the financial institutions.
The situation had further resulted in ripple effects of poor performance, low morale and lack of discipline in the service vis-a-vis theories on performance appraisal. Given the challenges earlier enumerated to be facing employees in First Bank Plc, particularly employees of Uyo Branch in Nigeria.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
An effective performance appraisal programme would assist an organization to achieve its goals and goals. It would lead to enhanced communication, employees professional development, improved employee morale and help identify training needs of the employees. A well-developed staff are more likely to be proactive, productive and resourceful, all of which help give the organization a competitive edge from improved customer relations to increased profits.
The main objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the Performance Appraisal (SPA) system in First Bank Plc at Uyo Branch.
Specific goals for the study were to find out:
- To measure employees’ understanding of the goals of the appraisal system, its processes and procedures at First bank.
- To find out whether the appraisal system at First bank is achieving the goals.
- To measure employees perception of the appraisal system at First bank.
- To find out how the performance appraisal system has been able to identify employees’ strengths and weaknesses and programmes put in place to address weaknesses and reward performance.
1.5 Research questions
The following research questions formed the basis upon which the study was conducted:
- What is the level of employees’ understanding of the goals of the appraisal system, its processes and procedures at First bank?
- How is the appraisal system at First bank achieving the goals?
- What is the perception of employees of the appraisal system at First bank?
- Is the performance appraisal system able to identify employees’ strengths and weaknesses?
1.6 Significance of the study
This study would bring to light employees understanding and appreciation of the performance appraisal system and the relevance of an goal, systematic and effective performance appraisal. Also, it would contribute to knowledge and literature because it would focus on how performance appraisal can be more effective which would enable management to develop a broader understanding of human resource management process. Further, it would provide information for human resource practitioners on how rules and regulations regarding performance appraisal work in banks and develop the necessary programmes to address weaknesses and reward performance.
1.9 Limitation of the Study
The researcher finds that the time span within which to complete this work may not be enough to allow for a comprehensive study of the research area. Again the study was constrained because of the researcher’s inability to access some information he considers important for the study.
1.10 Organization of the Study
The study is divided into five (5) chapters. Chapter one embodies the general introduction to the study, the goal of the study, specific goals, statement of the problem, research questions, scope, organization of the study and the significance of the study. In chapter two, the works of some authors pertaining to the concept of appraisal are reviewed, bearing in mind the goal of the study. Chapter three provides information on the methodology for the study. It looks at the study design, the study population, and the sampling techniques used. It also provides information on the data collection methodology and analysis procedures.
The fourth chapter reports on the findings obtained from the field study. It describes the background of the respondents, the issues relating to effectiveness of performance appraisal, the identifiable constraints that affected the appraisal system in the service and how to solve them. The concluding fifth chapter summarizes the salient trends and ends with suggestions and recommendations necessary for the attainment of an effective.
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