Abstract:
The study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the appraisal system of the
University of Cape Coast. In order to achieve this purpose, a mixed method
research design was employed to enable the researcher to combine the strengths
of qualitative and quantitative techniques to arrive at its findings as well as
improve the validity of the results by using each method to validate the data
obtained from both sources. Within the context of a cross-sectional survey, 300
staff from the University were sampled from a target of 1304, but 93.3 percent of
the respondents were successfully engaged. Questionnaire was used to solicit data
from the senior staff and interview guides were used to collect data from the
College Registrars. Statistical tools used to analyse the data collected included
descriptive tools and inferential statistic like Independent-sample t-test, Mann
Whitney U test, and Pearson's Chi-Square tests. The results were presented in
tables. The study found that the performance appraisal system involved a
participatory component in determining performance standards and also used
multiple methods of performance assessment and feedback loops. It was also
found that the system was useful for identification and building of capacity needs
for most of the staff, in addition to improving the performance of staff and
streamlining promotion opportunities. Moreover, the staff generally held positive
perceptions about the conduct and manner of the appraisal system. The study
recommended creating multiple committees at the departmental levels to handle
the feedback and discussions of appraisal results, and paying more attention to
building the capacity of non-teaching staff through the appraisal system.
