Factors Influencing Staff Performance During The Probation Period In The Public Service Of Namibia: A Case Study Of Oshana Regional Council

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Abstract

The study investigates why the probation process has become a mere formality in the public service institutions in Namibia. It particularly evaluates the existing probation process, identifies factors and challenges of probation in the Oshana Regional Council (ORC): Directorate of Education, Arts and Culture (DOEAC). A questionnaire and interview guide were designed to collect primary data on factors influencing staff performance during probation in the public service institutions in ORC- DOEAC. Previous studies were done on theories of performance, motivation and probation. Using a purposive or judgmental sampling method a sample of 196 permanent employees from the population of DOEAC‘s workforce was selected. Content analysis and the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) were used to analyses data. The study concluded that the probation process is crucial in public service administration, since it allows new employees to familiarise themselves with their job and organizational culture. Training and communication emerged as crucial factors to improve performance during probation and various challenges, such as absenteeism, poor communication and improper training period or process. It is evident that managing probation was not a smooth task, since there was scarcity of resources. The recommendations are that OPM should revisit the probation process, documents and guidelines, revive and emphasise training and induction progammes for supervisors and probationers and at the same time find suitable ways of motivating stakeholders in probation.

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