An investigation into the implementation of the employee performance management and development system: a case study of the eThekwini District Office in the KZN Health Department.

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the extent to which the employee performance management and development system (EPMDS) has been effectively implemented in the eThekwini District Office of the KZN Department of Health. A structured questionnaire was sent to the target population of 192 staff members on salary levels 1 to 12, of which 135 questionnaires were completed and returned. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise and display categorical and numerical data. A key finding of this research is that employees of the eThekwini District Office do possess knowledge of the EPMDS policy and are of the view that the EPMDS does have benefits. Whilst employees are, therefore, prepared to participate in performance management processes, they do not willingly participate due to the system not being implemented properly and a non-enabling environment that is created by the employer. This research, therefore, recommended that the KZN Department of Health ensure that deserving employees are appropriately rewarded whilst decisive action is taken against poor performers. In this regard, managers and supervisors must be instrumental in ensuring that a culture of performance and learning is established within the Department. The central HR unit must also ensure that all staff are trained on the EPMDS. The eThekwini District Office will enhance its public health service role should the recommendations of this research be implemented. An area of further research is to investigate whether the translation of departmental strategic objectives into the performance agreement of senior managers and their respective staff is being done and should gaps exist, to make recommendations on how to address them.