In his theses, “Innovative performance management in the public sector in Botswana: towards a new model”, John undertook an empirical study which provided deep insight into how poorly implemented performance management practices in the public sector in Botswana had not yielded the desired results.
The study also highlighted challenges that must be overcome for performance management to be effective and improve service delivery. Examiners lauded the study – and the proposed new innovative performance management model for the public sector – as a valuable contribution to new knowledge on the growing body of literature on the role of innovation in improving employee performance in the public sector.
Based on the participation and collaboration of all relevant stakeholders (to ensure a shared feeling of ownership), the model is composed of eight stages starting from the setting of strategic plans and objectives for the organisation up to the rewarding of employees for good performance. The study further recommends an innovative approach to performance management in the public sector in Botswana rather than remaining conservative at the expense of much-needed service delivery.
More about John Bester
John Bester was born in Gweru, Zimbabwe. After completing high school at David Livingstone Secondary School in Bulawayo, he enrolled for a teaching course at Mkoba Teachers College in 1982 and graduated with a certificate in education in 1984.
He started his teaching career in 1985. In 1994, he enrolled for a Bachelor of Education in Educational Administration, Planning and Policy Studies at the University of Zimbabwe which he completed in 1997. In 1998, he enrolled for a Master of Public Administration degree at the University of Botswana and graduated in 2001.
He has worked as a teacher in various schools in Zimbabwe. He has also worked as a lecturer at different institutions in Botswana including the Botswana College for Distance Education, Roads Training Centre and the Institute of Development Management.
The study was promoted by Prof Costa Hofisi.
John Bester during the Autumn Graduation Ceremony of the Vanderbijlpark Campus.
