Title: Uncovering the role of 'culture' and 'self-image' in determining academics' acceptance of performance appraisal in a Jordanian university context

Authors: Arwa Al-Twal; Nadine Khair

Addresses: Human Resources Management Department, American University of Madaba, Jordan ' Marketing Department, American University of Madaba, Jordan

Abstract: Performance appraisal influences decisions made regarding academics. Little is known about academics' perceptions of performance appraisal and why they hold these perceptions. This paper explores the role of 'culture' and 'self-image' in shaping the mindset of academics concerning their acceptance of performance appraisal. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 academics working in a Jordanian university. This study revealed that the norms and traditions, groupings/categorisation, and personal networks within culture influence academics' perceptions and acceptance of performance appraisal. The analysis also showed that self-image is a culturally developed inhibitor that plays a role in creating resistance to evaluation. This paper extends previous research on performance appraisal and brings insights concerning how it should be developed and implemented in a university context. It identifies potential yet critical inhibitors that explain academics' perceptions of the practice, which is of practical interest to management in academic institutions and HR professionals.

Keywords: performance appraisal; culture; self-image; academics; Jordan.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIR.2023.134651

International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 2023 Vol.32 No.2, pp.169 - 187

Received: 19 Nov 2020
Accepted: 29 Apr 2021
Published online: 03 Nov 2023 *

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