PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM CHALLENGES IN THE PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN THE MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

Abstract

Performance Management Development System is presumably a standout amongst the most challenged situation in the public services. It is vital for organisation to develop a timeously grievance resolution matrix to enhance labour peace in the public services. This article highlights Performance Management Development System (PMDS) challenges in public hospitals in the Mpumalanga Province. The qualitative research design was employed in this article. The purposive sampling was utilised and thirty-two respondents including hospital executives, employees and trade union shop stewards took an interest part in the study. It emerged from the research findings that Performance Management Development System challenges are caused by poorly formulated performance agreements; High level of grievances; Lack of understanding of the Performance Management Development System policies by employees; Lack of understanding of the Performance Management Development System policies by trade unions; Lack of management support by the Government; Limited power of the Hospital' managers and the Sense of entitlement causing frequent strike actions. Although these challenges remain unresolved, recommendations advocate for a sustainable and permanent solution to the Performance Management Development System in the public hospitals in the Mpumalanga Province. Policymakers such as the Department of Public Service and Administration through Public Sector Co-ordinating Bargaining Council should evaluate the effectiveness of a performance management system before its implementation. Additionally, the Strike Management Committees should establish a relevant Strike Management Contingency Plan for result optimistion in the Department of Health as essential services.