REFRAMING PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF WORK ENGAGEMENT AMONG LECTURERS

Abstract

In higher education, performance management processes have emerged as an important topic of discussion as universities look for ways to improve accountability, increase academic productivity, bolster institutional competitiveness, and improve educational quality. Although structured appraisal systems and key performance indicators have been introduced, universities still face issues in terms of lecturer motivation, participation in appraisal, and their responsiveness to the performance processes in the university. Previous research indicates that psychological and behavioural aspects of organisation have also been found to have an impact on the effectiveness of performance management systems. However, previous studies have largely examined work engagement as an independent outcome, with limited conceptual attention given to its mediating role between organisational factors and performance management practices within higher education institutions. Therefore, this conceptual paper proposed work engagement as a mediator variable between leadership behaviour and work–life balance to university lecturers' performance management practices. The paper draws from three theories: Social Exchange Theory, Job Demands Resources Theory, and Ability Motivation Opportunity Theory, and the work life balance of lecturers and supportive leadership behaviour of employers are argued as organisational resources to increase the vigour, dedication and absorption of the lecturers in relation to their work.The paper's contribution to the higher education management literature is the incorporation of an organisational and psychological approach to academic performance management.The proposed framework also provides practical implications for university administrators in strengthening supportive academic environments that encourage lecturer engagement and institutional effectiveness. Future empirical studies are recommended to validate the proposed framework using quantitative approaches within Malaysian higher education institutions.