PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AT “MANAGEMENT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH” THE CASE OF ETHIOPIA OFFICE

Abstract

Performance management system helps in aligning individual goals and objectives with those of the organization. The system engages employees and thereby directs them toward achieving the strategic goals of the organization. The purpose of this research study is to conduct an investigation at Management Science for Health Office, Ethiopia Branch to establish whether a performance management system would facilitate the achievement of the organization’s strategic goals and objectives. Preliminary investigations showed that the organization is using a performance appraisal process which is not effective in facilitating the organization’s strategic objectives. Based on the initial investigation, this study was undertaken. To achieve the goals of this study, 240 employees of the organization were presented with a questionnaire based on important key elements of performance management. Responses were received from 212 employees, of which 27 was from finance section, 6 from Human Resource section 49 from operation sections, and 130 from technical staff members. Their responses to the questionnaire were analyzed. In addition to the questionnaires, interview was conducted with the Human Resources Manager and information obtained through discussion was used as an input. Descriptive statistics was used mainly on the primary data collected, and using SPSS, the findings were analyzed. The findings of the study showed that problems exist in the organization which impedes achievement of its strategic goals. A performance management system would assist the organization in many of these areas to overcome the identified problems. Based on the results of the study it was recommended that the management of the organization need to design and implement a performance management system to facilitate the achievement of the organization’s strategic goals.