Echoes from the Frontlines: The Perceptions of HRM Practitioners on the Implementation of Performance Management in the Tanzanian Public Service

Abstract

This paper reports the perceptions of Human Resource Management practitioners within the Tanzanian Public Service regarding the performance management practices. The study employed a qualitative research design to explore the perceptions of human resource practitioners who attended proficiency examinations for Human Resource Officers review classes at the Tanzania Public Service College, Dar es Salaam Campus in August 2023. Through focus group interviews and thematic analysis, the study reveals several critical findings. The implementation of institutional performance contracts faces significant defies, with most public institutions not adhering to these contracts, leading to a lack of accountability. Furthermore, the study revealed that, individual performance contracts are often seen as bureaucratic requirements, detached from their potential to enhance employee development and achievement. Also, the implementation of individual performance contracts is associated with numerous challenges, which include employees’ reluctance to complete performance contract forms, political interference and a lack of resources.
In addition, the study identified that a one-size-fits-all approach to performance management is unrealistic. Public institutions should be allowed to design their performance management tools tailored to their specific needs. Finally, the study observed that performance appraisal data within the public service are underutilized for administrative decisions, primarily serving promotion purpose because of its legal requirement. Among other things, the study recommends Public Service Institutions in Tanzania to strengthen the adherence to individual and institutional performance contracts and to the regulations that require the use of performance data for various administrative decisions, thus fostering a more comprehensive approach to employee development and performance improvement.