Performance appraisal or praising performance? The culture of rhetoric in performance management in Ghana civil service

Justice Nyigmah Bawole, Farhad Hossain, Kwame Ameyaw Domfeh, Hamza Zakaria Bukari, Francis Sanyare

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

This article examines the practice of performance appraisal as a critical element of administrative culture in the Ghana Civil Service (CS). It relies on three focus group discussions with senior civil servants to analyze the practice and its implications for performance of civil servants in Ghana. The article argues that: Leadership seldom gives the needed attention to this administrative practice; the process lacks objectivity; it is fraught with superstition, spirituality, and fear; appraisers are rarely trained; and civil servants only become more interested in performance appraisals (PAs) during promotion-related interviews. The article therefore concludes that this process has become rhetoric rather than an important practice and that performance only gets praised rather than being appraised. The article recommends an overhaul of the PA system by integrating it into a holistic performance management program; integrating PA training into civil service mandatory training programs; and the revision and computerization of the PA system.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdministrative Culture in Developing and Transitional Countries
PublisherTaylor and Francis Inc.
Pages57-66
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9781317597322
ISBN (Print)9781138816398
Publication statusPublished - 17 Mar 2016
Externally publishedYes

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