Performance agreements in the Maltese public service : an analysis

Abstract

This study addresses employees of the Maltese Public Service who are currently under a Performance Agreement and those who are not under a performance contract, but are in some way involved in the process. In 1992, Performance Agreements were introduced in the Maltese Public Service by the Management and Personnel Office (MPO). This was implemented, following the recommendations presented in the report by the Public Service Reform Commission (PSRC) in 1989. Since then, this practice has been acclaimed and criticised by different people. The White Paper on a Public Service Act of 2003 continued to emphasise the need to assess performance against previously set targets. However no recommendations to adjust the Performance Agreements system were put forward. This study attempts to examine and analyse the perception and opinion of employees who work under these performance contracts. The data collected from the questionnaire shows several interesting results. None of the respondents described Performance Agreements to be a complete negative aspect of their job; however a high percentage thought it to be both positive and negative. Some valid recommendations and general conclusions are put forward to improve the system and make it more transparent.