Mediation effect of performance appraisal management on the work environment – job satisfaction relationship among support staff in a university in Uganda

Abstract

The suitability of a work environment is an important antecedent of effective performance appraisal management process and job satisfaction among employees within an organization. This study examined the mediation effect of performance appraisal management on the relationship between work environment and job satisfaction among support staff at a public university in Uganda. The study employed cross-sectional survey design. A structured, closed ended questionnaire containing mainly 5–point Likert type items was administered to a census of 207 support staff of the university; 172 (83.1%) responses were complete and used in data analysis. Findings revealed that the support staff ratings of suitability of work environment, effectiveness of performance appraisal management, and job satisfaction at the university were at moderate levels. In addition there was a partial mediation effect of performance appraisal management on the work environment – job satisfaction link at the university. Policy implications include deliberate effort on the part of management to provide suitable working conditions and enhance effective performance appraisal management so as to increase job satisfaction among the support staff.

Keywords: Work environment, performance appraisal, job satisfaction, university, Uganda.