Goal Setting in Appraisals and Employee Productivity

Abstract

Goal setting within performance appraisals is an important component of employee performance management. Drawing from Goal-Setting Theory (Locke & Latham, 2019), this study investigated the influence of goal setting during appraisals on employee productivity in Kenya. A descriptive research design was employed, targeting 385 respondents drawn from academic and administrative staff in public universities within the Nairobi metropolitan area, including the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Moi University (satellite campus), and Egerton University (satellite campus). Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis revealed that goal setting had a positive and statistically significant effect on employee productivity, where specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals were linked to increased motivation and improved work outcomes (Mutuku & Njoroge, 2022). The findings underscore the importance of integrating goal setting into performance appraisal systems to enhance employee productivity (Nyaga, 2023).