Rethinking Performance Evaluation in Higher Education: Insights from Technical, Economic and Administrative Staff

The evolving dynamics of the labor market have raised expectations regarding both the continuous development of human capital and the effectiveness of human resource management practices. In response, higher education institutions are increasingly required to modernize their internal performance evaluation mechanisms in order to enhance organizational efficiency, transparency, and employee motivation. The transition from traditional appraisal methods to innovative, often digitalized, evaluation systems has the potential to improve objectivity and streamline processes; however, it also introduces challenges related to employees’ perceptions of fairness and practical relevance. This study examines the perceptions of Technical, Economic, and Socio-Administrative (TESA) staff within higher education institutions regarding an innovative performance evaluation system. In particular, it explores the relationship between the clarity with which evaluation criteria are communicated and employees’ perceptions of the system’s fairness. The analysis highlights both the perceived benefits and the obstacles associated with the implementation of such systems. The findings provide valuable insights for the development of transparent, equitable, and development-oriented human resource management practices in the academic sector, supporting more effective alignment between organizational objectives and employee expectations.