Influence of Evaluation on Employee Performance at Tom Mboya University in Homa-Bay County

This study investigated the influence of performance appraisal on employee performance at Tom Mboya University in Homa-Bay County, Kenya. The specific focus of the study was to determine the influence of evaluation, management by objectives, performance appraisal design and 360 degrees’ appraisal method on employee performance at Tom Mboya University. This design was considered appropriate because the study focused on a survey of employees in one organization. The study targeted a population of 117 employees in various job groups at Tom Mboya University. Stratified and systematic random sampling was used in this study, to select a sample size of 90 respondents. The primary data for the research was collected using a structured questionnaire. Validity of the questionnaire was assessed and confirmed using expert opinion from supervisors. A pilot study was carried out on ten randomly selected employees to support the test of reliability of the questionnaire. Reliability was tested through a test of internal consistency. In order to test reliability of the instruments, internal consistency techniques were employed using the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient of 0.7. Descriptive statistics was analysed using mean, standard deviation, and percentages. Similarly, inferential statistics were analysed using bivariate correlation and multiple regression analysis so as to confirm the relationship between the research variables. The results of analysis were presented in form of figures and tables. The study concludes that an increase in management by objectives practices such as setting objectives and plans, monitoring progress, rewarding according to performance, linkage: objectives and results/output and stakeholder participation significantly improves employee performance. Since it was revealed that performance appraisal design has a positive but not significant influence on employee performance, there is a need for the HR department of Tom Mboya University and other institutions to enhance adoption of this method in their appraisal in order to realise a significant influence on employee performance. This can be achieved by improving performance appraisal design such as rating scales, accurate appraisals, fairness/ lack of bias in appraisal, appraising verses current job description, goal-oriented appraisal, and regularity of conducting appraisals