THE ROLE OF PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT IN THE ACHIEVEMENT OF ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS

Abstract

This research study addresses the role of performance management in the achievement of organizational goals. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to determine the views on performance and on performance management programmes. The study also included an investigation into the extent to which a performance management programme should be aligned with organizational and individual goals at the Seventh-Day Adventist Hospital (Kwadaso-Kumasi). Questionnaires developed from the literature study were distributed amongst randomly selected respondents in order to determine the extent to which a specific organization manages performance in line with the guidelines provided by the literature study. The information obtained from the questionnaires were compared with the guidelines provided by the literature study in order to identify the shortcomings in the influence that the performance management programme has on the achievement of organizational and individual goals at the selected organization. Our recommendations are as follows: Firstly, it is of utmost importance that training and development and the necessary resources to achieve objectives are provided. Secondly, feedback forms an integral part of a performance management programme. Those who provide feedback need to acquire the necessary skills so as to ensure that both positive and negative feedback is given to employees which could ultimately enhance performance. Thirdly, management needs to be committed to the programme and the well-being of their employees. Management also needs to be able to eliminate problems that negatively influence performance. On the other hand, employees need to realize that a performance management programme is not only linked to pay but also the development of each individual and the improvement of performance.