The constraining factors of the future of performance management

Abstract

Orientation: The future of performance management (PM) holds great potential, driven by technological advancements, shifting workforce demographics and evolving organisational needs, all of which promote innovation and continuous improvement in the field.
Research purpose: The purpose of the research was to explore the key factors constraining the success and progress of the future of PM at the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.
Motivation for the study: As the municipality strives to improve service delivery, accountability and operational efficiency, it faces multiple challenges in transforming its PM system. The motivation for this research was to explore and address the factors that hindered the successful progression of PM practices within the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.
Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research approach was employed, involving a total population of nine human resources (HR) personnel. In-depth interviews via Microsoft Teams were conducted and thematic analysis was applied.
Main findings: The study identified the following themes: organisational change, financial constraints, poor organisational leadership and organisational politics.
Practical/managerial implications: Effective PM in the municipality is crucial for ensuring efficient service delivery and meeting the needs of the residents. Investing in technology, workforce development, financial budgeting methods and innovative governance models will be crucial for shaping the future of PM at the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.
Contribution/value-add: This study provides a foundation for future research, highlighting that transforming the PM process is essential to address evolving employee and business requirements in a rapidly changing world of work.