Faculty members’ perceptions about the effectiveness of the procedures for applying the appraisal of academic staff at Sultan Qaboos University

Abstract

The appraisal of academic staff at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has been in place for many years as a quality assurance measure. Its primary objective is to enhance staff performance by identifying commendable areas and those requiring improvement in daily activities. Over the years, this appraisal has contributed in faculty development and quality assurance as well as in the continuous improvement. This study explores the perceptions of faculty members at the College of Education concerning the procedures for applying the academic appraisal form at SQU. Utilizing a mixed-method approach (quantitative and qualitative), including questionnaire and semi-structured interview, the research examines the faculty members' views on the effectiveness of the appraisal procedures. The sample participating in this study was 54 faculty members. Out of the 54 participants, 48 completed the questionnaire, while 6 were chosen for in-depth semi-structured interviews. The sample included a wide range of participants to reflect the diversity within the academic staff. The findings may offer valuable insights into the current status of these perceptions and potentially assist policy makers at SQU in enhancing the existing procedures and system for applying the academic appraisal. Furthermore, the results may lead to a set of recommendations and directions for future research, helping to improve the robustness and applicability of the appraisal system within the university context.