Evaluating the Performance Appraisal Practices in the Ghana Civil Service

In recent times, organizations have seen the need to improve the performance of their employees through various means to ensure higher productivity. One of such measures is performance appraisal systems. This study aimed at evaluating the performance appraisal practices in the Ghana Civil Service. The study employed a descriptive research design in answering the research questions. Target population comprised of 224 employees from the Office of the Head of Civil Service and other government agencies under the Civil Service. The simple random sampling approach was adopted to give equal chances to all employees selected for the study. Data collection instruments were a semi-structure interview and a questionnaire. The study found that employees had negative perception about the appraisal system. It was also discovered that, performance appraisal reports do not commensurate with the actual performance of employees, and that, the appraisal system in place do not encourage specific performance. However, the study found that issues like promotions, demotions and transfers were based on performance appraisal reports. The challenges identified in the implementation of effective appraisal system included lack of resources to execute duties satisfactorily, lack of logistics to effectively implement the appraisal system, inadequate education on the need for performance appraisal, ineffective supervision from appropriate authorities’ lack of commitment due to the fact that the performance appraisal system is not linked to pay and rewards.