Must launches performance management handbook

The Malawi University of Science and Technology (Must) on Wednesday launched its performance management handbook as it embraces the public sector reforms agenda.

The handbook is expected to provide feedback on staff performance and promote communication between supervisors and employees.

Must council chairperson Andrew Daudi, speaking when he officially launched the handbook at the university’s campus in Thyolo, said the manual—billed to enhance efficiency and professionalism in the university’s operations—is an important tool for staff performance as it provides parameters to all employees to work at their full potential.

Said Daudi: “The handbook demands that employees and supervisors agree on goals within a year in line with the university’s strategic plan targets. This is deliberate to create team spirit and coordination between individual employee efforts and the overall goal of the institution. It also sets an accountability platform for the two officers [supervisor and employee] to ensure assessments are not only fair, but also agreeable to both parties.”

In his remarks, the university’s registrar Tarsizius Nampota said Must management will ensure the handbook is implemented because it offers a win-win situation, which is a strong incentive for a buy-in from all stakeholders.

Said Nampota: “Our staff stands to benefit because they will know what is expected of them in advance, they will be provided with necessary resources to make their job easier and enjoyable. And to crown it all, those that perform exceptionally shall be recognised and of course the opposite shall also be true.

The handbook is one of the several policy documents that the university’s council, in its role as the institution’s governing body, has approved for systematic operations.

President Peter Mutharika officially opened Must on October 24 2014—eight months after the university opened doors for its pioneer students.