Abstract
This study is a qualitative presentation of Human Resource Performance Management (HRPM) practices that have been in use in Zimbabwe; in particular, in the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) to improve the performance of the public sector. The study examines the effectiveness of performance management (PM), performance appraisal (PA) and result-based management (RBM) systems to assess performance in the MOHCC in Zimbabwe. A qualitative research approach was used, and a triangulation of methods was applied in terms of the data collection and analysis to the recommendations of the study. The study found that despite the implementation of PM measures, the performance of the MOHCC has continued to deteriorate due to various challenges. These challenges include a lack of staff support, a lack of political support, and inadequate training for employees. The thesis proposed an analytical performance management framework to be used at the political, policy, organisational, departmental, individual and stakeholder levels to guide the implementation and institutionalisation of a PMS. The study contributes to current knowledge of PM as a professional and applied discipline in the public sector.
D.Phil. (Public Management and Governance)