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 descriptiveanalytical 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.
