Application of Performance Management Systems in Public Secondary Schools in Plateau State: A Business Education Perspective

This study examined the application of performance management systems in public secondary schools in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, from a Business Education perspective. Performance management is a systematic process of aligning individual staff activities with organizational goals through goal-setting, performance appraisal, feedback, and development planning. In public secondary schools, effective performance management of teachers can significantly enhance instructional quality and student outcomes. This study sought to determine the current state of performance management application and its impact on Business Education teacher performance in Plateau State. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The population comprised 280 Business Education teachers and 40 school principals in public secondary schools across three senatorial districts in Plateau State. Using stratified random sampling, 140 teachers and 20 principals were selected. Validated questionnaires on performance management application and teacher performance were used for data collection. Mean, standard deviation, and Pearson correlation were used for analysis. Findings reveal that performance management systems are nominally in place but poorly implemented, with limited feedback sessions, irregular appraisals, and absence of development planning. Schools with functional appraisal systems reported higher teacher motivation and instructional consistency. The study recommends that the Plateau State Ministry of Education should redesign its teacher appraisal system to incorporate continuous feedback cycles, developmental action plans, and linkage to professional recognition for Business Education teachers. Keywords: performance management, secondary schools, business education teachers, Plateau State, appraisal systems