The Impact of Performance Appraisal on Employee Performance. A case study of first bank of Nigeria plc.

2014 dissertation for MA in International Human Resource Management. Selected by academic staff as a good example of a masters level dissertation. Performance appraisal has emerged as a tool for enhancing organisational growth and professional development. To this effect, this research will focus on the impact the appraisal exercise have on employee performance using First Bank of Nigeria Plc as a case study. Key performance indicators will be investigated including the efficacy of the available performance appraisal strategies in enhancing self-efficacy and motivation of employees in the overall satisfaction of organisational goals. The research will embrace a qualitative research approach that is buttressed by the interpretive, phenomenological or constructive philosophy that gives precedence to the subjective state of the employee’s mind and the meaning attached to data collected rather than the measurement of parameters. Epistemological underpinnings will be assessed as a means of validating knowledge acquired through social interaction and constant revision. Data collection was done through questionnaires and follow up calls using a sample size of 100 respondents for which 96 of the 100 questionnaires distributed was valid for the research. Findings suggest that performance appraisal leveraged by employee assessment; career and professional development, feedback and benefits are valid ingredients of enhanced employee performance in an organisation. The theoretical assumptions of the research, therefore, tilted towards the proponents of performance appraisal as a vital tool for promoting personal and organisational growth. Recommendations made include regular appraisal exercises, quality and timely feedback information, and a more robust reward system as effective motivational factors to enhancing employee performance at all levels. The research also recommended the adoption of the experimental 360 degree feedback used in the bank as a substantial performance appraisal method