Work Environment, Performance Appraisal Management, and Job Satisfaction among Support Staff at a Public University in Uganda

Abstract

The working conditions are important for effective management of job satisfaction of the employees within an organization. Organizations which have suitable work environments, including effective management of the performance appraisals have happier employees, experience greater productivity, and also achieve organizational goals. This study examined the relationships on work environment, performance appraisal management, and job satisfaction among support at a public university in Uganda. In a cross-sectional survey study, a questionnaire was conducted among 175 support staff of the university. The results suggest that there is a relationship between work environment and job satisfaction at the university. However, this relation was found to be mediated by the results further that revealed that the effectiveness of performance appraisal management, suitability of work environment and job satisfaction at the university was moderate. The study concludes that to achieve high job satisfaction among the support staff, the work environment of the university should be enhanced to heighten job satisfaction of employees. There should be deliberate effort to have Performance Appraisal Management by encouraging employees to participate in the discussions during the process of performance appraisal. In addition, the process should be conducted in such a way that encourages feedback by the managers. It is recommended that workshops on effective performance appraisal management, fair working conditions and workload allocation to both support staff and administrative staff should be provided. The limitations and implications of the study are also discussed.