Abstract
M.Com.
Various ethical challenges occur in the performance appraisal process. It was postulated that
the lack of transparency that often characterises performance appraisal could be a major
contributing factor to the occurrence of ethical challenges in appraisal. Transparency in
performance appraisal is described as an attempt to optimally reveal all relevant information
regarding the performance appraisal process to key stakeholders concerned, without putting
anyone at risk. A dearth of research on the role of transparency in performance appraisal
prompted an attempt to isolate and describe transparency in relation to the performance
appraisal process. An exploratory phenomenological approach was selected as research
strategy, and within this strategy, semi-structured in-depth interviews (n=7) were utilised to
explore the nature of transparency in the performance appraisal process. The participants
were in a managerial role with experience in conducting performance appraisal, and have
been subject to performance appraisal themselves. Systematic content analysis of data
produced results that indicated that transparency does not operate in isolation but in
conjunction with other ethical dimensions (trust, fairness, integrity, maturity, respect,
responsibility, and honesty). Effective and sufficient communication of information before,
during, and after the performance appraisal process was identified as a crucial element in
creating a perception of transparency with key stakeholders involved. An adherence to
principles of transparency in performance appraisal could potentially build trust between
parties involved, increase fairness in the appraisal process, validate the organisation's
integrity, and create mutual respect amongst stakeholders. Although applying transparency
in appraisal has many benefits, it should be handled with caution as sensitive information has
the potential to cause harm or put stakeholders at risk.