Performance management and academic workload in higher education

Abstract

The South African Higher Education system is in a state of rapid flux. Various factors are rendering education vulnerable to destructive influences. It has become imperative for academic managers to ensure that academic staff function productively. Management information systems which will generate correct information as to amongst others, academic workload, has become a necessity. It is important to be able to accurately measure input and output of academics, as this will have a direct bearing on the management of their performance. Six principles should be incorporated in a system of appraising workload and performance, viz validity; reliability; transparency; adaptability; acknowledgement of performance and negotiation of mutually agreed tasks and outcomes. Workload determination and indicators of performance quality would make up the basis for a comprehensive and logical performance management system for higher education.



South African Journal of Higher Education Vol.15(3) 2001: 74-81