Staff performance appraisal as a human resource management tool in the Ghana ports and harbours authority

Abstract

The study examined to a greater extent, the organizational policies, procedures and resources that support the appraisal system of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. The timing, frequency, uses of appraisal data and other relevant issues that affect the performance appraisal system were also critically evaluated. The data collection tools employed in the study included questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. The simple random sampling technique was used to draw the sample size. A key informant from the Human Resource Department provided useful information on the subject and the study area. The main findings of the study portrays that the performance appraisal system in GPHA is effective but faces challenges; the important stage of appraisal interview in the process is grossly overlooked. The assessors have no training and there are policies and manuals to guide them in the appraisals. The usage of appraisal data is also limited to promotions and award of salary increment. It was recommended that the policy and the manuals should be written, the raters trained, and feedback to appraisees given at the end of the process to improve the overall performance of the appraisal system in the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and other organisations using such a tool for human resource management.