A case study of the perception of implementing performance management programs in one Saudi university from the perspective of academic leaders

The purpose of this bounded case study was to explore the perceptions of academic leaders regarding a performance management program in one Saudi University. Participant surveys were analyzed using the basic structure outlined by Creswell (2013). Findings from this study affirm that the university does not have a performance management program and currently academic leaders at the university use the annual reports, the Ministry of Civil Service form and self-assessment to manage and evaluate their employee's performance. Other findings included the importance of developing a strategic plan, importance of creating job descriptions, and the importance of improving the work environment were all ideas that the academic university leaders had about starting implementing a performance management program successfully. Further, the study identified challenges and barriers that could face the implementation of a performance management program are management issues, communication issues, and leadership issues.