The Perceived Affordances and Challenges in the Newly Introduced OKR-Based Performance Appraisal System in an Omani HEI

Abstract

Performance appraisal (PA) is a valuable tool used by organizations to improve and enhance their employees’ competencies and ensure their organizational capability to cope with a dynamic world. The newly introduced Objectives and Key Results (OKR) PA system in Oman has been a source of concern and controversial debate among governmental employees, particularly academics. This exploratory study aims to address the following research questions: (1) What are the perceived affordances of OKR metrics? (2) What difficulties have most academics experienced with the new PA system? (3) What are the perceived challenges in coping with the requirements of OKR metrics? The necessary data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 11 academic staff members at University of Technology and Applied Sciences—Rustaq. The findings of this study have the potential to inform decisions of line managers and any developing performance appraisal system to incorporate types of training suitable to the needs of employees.