Towards Developing an Integrity Framework in Performance Appraisal System (PAS) in the Malaysian Public Sector: A Preliminary Analysis from Justice and Ethical Perspectives

Abstract

The implementation of Performance Appraisal System (PAS) is seen as a strategic move to foster performance-basedwork culture in the Malaysia’s public sector. Embedded in pay-for performance system, the new appraisal systemwhich was first introduced in 1992 establishes linkage between pay system, performance and competenciesdevelopment. However, the chain tying pay to performance appears to be weak. Massive disappointment signalspoor implementation as the appraisal system was overshadowed by inappropriate instrument design, rater error,inaccurate rating, bias assessment, etc. These major setbacks have evoked concern over ethical and fairness in thepractices of PAS. Occurrence of problems in the implementation of PAS signified erosion of justice and ethics in thepractices of PAS, thus lead to growing demand for integrity-based performance assessment system. This preliminaryanalysis therefore seeks to examine the relationship between ethic, justice and the practices of PAS in the Malaysia’spublic sector. Correlation coefficient results disclosed positive association between variables as the instrument used,process employed are moderately associated with ethics and justice dimensions. The appraisal system is likelyperceived to be good if fair assessment and ethical supervision were present and vice versa. This study deliberatelydiscusses the aforementioned issues through integrated framework based on organizational justice and workcharacter ethics theories and proposed framework for integrity enhancement in the implementation of PAS.Significantly, this article makes a theoretical contribution towards developing higher integrity capacity which oftenrequires in HRM practice.