Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Performance appraisal is a crucial tool used by organizations to assess and evaluate the performance of their employees. The process involves setting specific goals and expectations for employees, providing feedback on their performance, and identifying areas for improvement. This study aims to investigate the effect of performance appraisal on improving productivity in organizations. The literature review reveals that performance appraisal can have a significant impact on employee motivation, job satisfaction, and overall productivity. When employees receive constructive feedback on their performance, they are more likely to be motivated to improve and excel in their roles. Moreover, performance appraisal provides employees with a clear understanding of what is expected of them, leading to increased job satisfaction and engagement. The research methodology employed in this study includes both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Surveys and interviews will be conducted with employees and managers to gather data on their perceptions of performance appraisal and its impact on productivity. Additionally, quantitative data on key performance indicators will be analyzed to assess any changes in productivity following the implementation of performance appraisal. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on performance appraisal and its role in improving productivity in organizations. It is hypothesized that organizations that effectively implement performance appraisal processes will experience higher levels of productivity among their employees. By providing employees with regular feedback, setting clear goals, and recognizing their achievements, organizations can create a culture of continuous improvement and performance excellence. The implications of this study are significant for both organizations and employees. For organizations, understanding the impact of performance appraisal on productivity can help them design more effective performance management systems. By leveraging performance appraisal as a tool for employee development and motivation, organizations can enhance overall productivity and performance levels. For employees, performance appraisal can provide valuable feedback for self-improvement and career development. In conclusion, this study aims to shed light on the importance of performance appraisal in improving productivity in organizations. By exploring the relationship between performance appraisal, employee motivation, and productivity, this research seeks to provide valuable insights for organizations looking to enhance their performance management practices.

Thesis Overview

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In any evaluation of the condition necessary for the growth and survival of an organization, the role of performance appraisal is a strategic factor. It is believed that both the individual and the organization need to know how well actual performance is contributing to the accomplishment of the job plans, the staffing plan, and ultimately the overall strategic plan of the organization. In addition, the individual employee requires feedback relative to his or her own goals development, as well as that relative to management™s expectations on  improving productivity.Performance appraisal is a formal and systematic assessment of an employee to determine the degree to which the employee is performing his/her job effectively. It is usually made in a prescribed manner of specific intervals such as quarterly, bi-annually or even annually. Each employee at one time or the other wants his immediate boss or more still his employer to assess his on-the-job performance, and where necessary give him guidelinesor advice for improving his efficiency.An effective performance review system serves these general purposes. In other words, as Nwachukwu (1985) puts it, -the essence of performance appraisal is to give information for the promotion, demotion, transfer, pay increase, training and development and discharge of an employee on  improving productivity.Secondly, it provides employees with constructive on how they are performing in their jobs as viewed by their managers, thus leading to increased productivity.Therefore, in any organization, manpower remains the most prominent and the most valuable assets among other factors of production. It is this reason performance appraisal is given recognition as a tool to improve organizational activities on  improving productivity.