The Impact of Promotion on Employee Performance: Evidence from Public Sector Universities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Promotion remains a significant function in human resources as it impacts employee engagement, satisfaction, and the overall productivity of an organization. In academics, especially in public universities, it marks the official acknowledgement given to a faculty member for his/ her activities in teaching, research, and service. This research focuses on the evaluation of promotion practices and their impact on employee performance in the public sector universities of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). This study was conducted using a mixed method of research design, which involved collecting data via questionnaires and interviews with faculty members from various universities. Results showed that although the HEC (Higher Education Commission) has developed policies for promotion at the university level, many issues such as low faculty morale and productivity due to long and inflexible promotion processes, rigid and inconsistent criteria, and widespread favoritism obstruct productive faculty evaluation and promotion. This research has shown that the presence of a transparent and proper promotion planning system can have a direct and positive influence on the output of research and quality of teaching and institutional allegiance. Suggestions to improve lack of equity and effectiveness in the promotion planning process that will enhance the long-term development of these institutions have been made.