Exploring Employee Experiences with Performance Management at a Community College: A Qualitative Action Research Study

Higher education is facing increased workforce challenges and is in dire need of effective Human Resource Development (HRD) practices. The purpose of this two-phase qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of supervisors and employees regarding the performance management (PM) system at a large-sized urban community college. Phase I was designed as an organizational needs assessment, conducted with supervisors and employees, using case study methodology. Three distinct themes were revealed during this phase. Firstly, both employees and supervisors perceived PM as being exclusively the annual performance appraisal event, indicating a narrow understanding of the broader scope of PM practices. Secondly, the PM system was viewed as meaningless, indicating a disconnect between the system's intent and its perceived value. Lastly, despite the negative perceptions of the PM system, the quality of the employee-supervisor relationship appeared to be positive. In Phase II, an action research methodology was employed to assess the effectiveness of a three-module supervisor training intervention which aimed to enhance the efficacy of the annual performance appraisal event. Post-training data analysis indicated an increase in supervisors' awareness and understanding of the college's PM system and available resources. However, the intervention did not result in employees perceiving any significant improvement in their supervisors' skills during the most recent performance appraisal event. The findings from this study contribute to the field of HRD by highlighting the complex nature of PM systems within educational environments and point to the need for comprehensive strategies that address both structural and relational aspects of performance management. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]