Contribution of open performance review and appraisal system on public secondary school teachers’ performance in Mkuranga district

The purpose of this study was to explore the contribution of the Open Performance Review and Appraisal System (OPRAS) on teachers’ performance in public secondary schools. The study was guided by three objectives that were: To explore teachers’ knowledge on the OPRAS, to examine the contribution of OPRAS on teachers’ performance in public secondary schools, and to examine factors affecting OPRAS implementation in public secondary schools. The study was conducted in Mkuranga district, Coast region. The study utilized qualitative research approach using case study design. The sample of the study was 66 respondents who were selected using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Data were collected through interview, focus group discussion and documentary review, and were analyzed through thematic analysis procedures according to research objectives to generate meaningful patterns. Validity and trustworthiness of the data were ensured through credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. The findings showed that, only few especially experienced teachers had enough knowledge on OPRAS and the majority of the newly employed had inadequate understanding. Findings also showed that OPRAS had less contribution in fostering teachers’ work performance. The findings further indicated that the implementation of OPRAS was affected by inadequate knowledge of teachers concerning OPRAS, lack of feedback from higher authorities, lack/insufficient resources, lack of clarity of OPRAS forms, lack of effective communication, failure of OPRAS to meet the intended objectives, and time factor. It was recommended that Local Government Authorities should ensure employees at all levels are trained before filling OPRAS forms. For school management teams, it was recommended that they should ensure that there is open and clear communication between the appraisers and appraise. Furthermore, it was recommended that similar study can be conducted to other levels of education and districts.