Abstract:
BACKGROUND : The implementation of the Performance Management and Development
System (PMDS) is seen as being vital to the quality of care, resource management and interprofessional
work. However, there is evidence that, at present, professional nurses lack the
knowledge to implement such a system.
OBJECTIVES : The aim of this study was to explore and describe professional nurses’ knowledge
regarding the implementation of the PMDS in selected primary healthcare clinics in Tshwane.
METHOD : A quantitative, descriptive, exploratory design was used and convenience sampling
was used to recruit respondents. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to
collect data from 39 professional nurses who were involved in managing the work performance
of employees. The data were analysed quantitatively with Statistical Analysis System version
8.2 software.
RESULTS : The respondents had limited knowledge about the implementation of the performance
management and development system.
CONCLUSION : There is a need for educational initiatives before, during and after the
implementation of the PMDS, such as quarterly PMDS workshops and routine catch-up
training. These would address the lack of knowledge of respondents as seen from the results.
