ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE APPRAISAL OF ACADEMICS’ EMPLOYMENT PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

This study examined the attitudes toward the performance appraisal of academics of public universities in Sri Lanka. The sample was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The sample size was 300 and it was allocated proportionately based on the designations of the teaching staff: Professor, Senior Lecturer and Lecturer. A questionnaire was used as a tool to gather the required data from the sample. The study employed a descriptive-analytical method and Principle Component Analysis (PCA) for analysing the quantitative data. According to the information which is sent by the respondents through open-ended questions of the questionnaires, the study revealed the need for a proper appraisal method to measure employee performance. Results of the descriptive analysis indicated the nature of the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their performance and achievements in the higher education field. Using PCA constructed three models for attitudes on existing methods related to promotion and motivation, socialization and orientation, and performance appraisal of academic staff members. Total variation of existing promotion and motivation methods, socialization, and orientation, the current performance appraisal method was described as 91.92%, 82.96%, and 94.13% respectively. The study concluded the importance of a proper appraisal method to measure the academic performances and administrative performance of members of the academic staff of the public universities in Sri Lanka.