Staff performance appraisal practices in two colleges of community health nursing in central region (Ghana): Challenges and existing support systems

Abstract

This study explored challenges of staff performance appraisal in two Colleges of Community Health Nursing in Central Region (Ghana) and existing support systems. The sequential explanatory mixed methods design, which involved the collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data was used for the study. The quantitative phase of the study involved a census frame of 40 College tutors, who responded to a structured questionnaire, while the qualitative phase involved a semi-structured interview with 4 Senior Tutors and 4 Junior Tutors, selected through maximal variation sampling technique. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics such as means and standard deviations, while the qualitative data was used to support the quantitative data when necessary. The study revealed that the major challenges to the appraisal of the performance of the tutors in the Colleges included the appraisees’ lack of understanding of the processes involved, irregular feedback to appraisees, and setting overly challenging goals for appraisees. Among others, the study recommended that management of the institutions should organise training programmes on performance appraisal for the staff to create awareness and acceptance, and to improve their understandings of the processes involved.

Keywords: Tutors, performance appraisal, community health, nursing training colleges, challenges, support systems, appraiser, appraisee