Benchmarking Employee Performance Management Systems: Insights from the Transport Sector for Academia

Employee Performance Management Systems (EPMS) are essential for enhancing organizational efficiency and achieving strategic goals. While universities often rely on rigid and less flexible systems, the transport sector demonstrates innovative and adaptable EPMS practices. This paper benchmarks the EPMS frameworks of four transport companies- Kuwait public transport company (KPTC), Jassim Transport and Stevedoring Company (JTC), Kuwait and Gulf Link Transport Company (KGL), and Agility Public Warehousing Company (Agility)- against those of three academic institutions: Kuwait University (KU), Australian University (AU), and Arab Open University (AOU). The study examines governance frameworks, KPI-driven performance evaluations, and training and sustainability initiatives across both sectors. It identifies actionable strategies for improving EPMS in higher education, such as adopting KPI-based evaluations, prioritizing continuous faculty and staff development, and embedding sustainability principles into performance frameworks. This cross-sector benchmarking offers university administrators and policymakers a road map for creating flexible, efficient, and sustainable EPMS. The findings contribute to the conversation of transforming higher education governance and performance management by encouraging accountability, innovation, and institutional excellence.