Author(s): Bonginkosi Siyethemba Zwane
Background: Performance has a significant impact on the success of an organisation, and managing performance is a major duty of human resources Management. However, with the gradual decrease in employee performance in Higher Education and Training numerous scholars argue that faculty and staff development programs should focus on boosting self-efficacy to increase employee performance. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of self-efficacy on employee performance at a South African University. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of self-efficacy on employee performance at a South African University. Method: Structured interviews were used to collect data from eight employees at a South African University for the qualitative, explanatory study. Using ATLAS.ti and thematic analyses, the collected data were analysed. Results: The results of this study suggest that self-efficacy has a favourable effect on workers' performance. It permits growth, promotes extrinsic motivation, helps employees manage stress, enhances the standard of their work, improves their physical and mental health, enhances their abilities, educational and achievement gains, and ability to withstand adversities. As a result, self-efficacy is important for employee performance. Additionally, the institution must do better at fostering employee self-efficacy to support employee performance, as most participants reported that they did not perceive the organization as one that valued their work. Conclusion: By creating employee self-efficacy strategies like paying and recognizing employees, setting up training and professional development, and being fair in the hiring process, employers may show their appreciation for and commitment to their employees' work. This study urges further research on the obstacles to self-efficacy, with a particular emphasis on the elements influencing self-efficacy growth in the workplace. To allow for generalisability, a similar study can be carried out utilising a quantitative methodology Contribution: To encourage and enhance employee self-efficacy as a means of reaching work performance goals, this study advocated more effective performance efforts. It also helped to understand the self-efficacy antecedents.