KPI system likely to evaluate govt staff

By Fahad Al Ghadani — MUSCAT: Feb. 21 - Akin to the private sector, the performance of civil service employees could be measured using the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) system in future. The Majlis Ash’shura is currently evaluating this method of performance assessment. A Majlis Ash’shura member told the Observer that the Youth and Human Resources Committee at Majlis Ash’shura had discussed the idea recently. “Yes, this might happen in future. It is too early to talk about it now, but the committee plans to invite different agencies to conduct a study (on KPI system),” said Mohammed al Busaidy, a Majlis Ash’shura Member and Head of the Committee at the Majlis. He said the idea was suggested by a Majlis Ash’shura member, who will be attending the committee’s meetings.

While high-level KPIs might focus on the general performance of an organisation, the low-level KPIs may focus on processes in the departments. Many have rejected the plan. Al Busaidy said any new proposal will face objection at first. “There is another way of applying the system. Salary cuts, warning and termination of service might worry them. We will take a softer approach and avoid steps that threaten their financial stability,” he said. “It won’t be that tough to bring everyone in the public sector under the KPI system, which is already applied in the private sector, which employs many nationals,” said Al Busaidy.

“We are still discussing the plan. The next step is to invite experts and agencies.” “Later, the committee will forward the suggested law to the office of the council, which will address it to the government after approving it,” Al Busaidy added.