Beyond Metrics: Language Use, Perceived Fairness, and Performance Outcomes in the Kwara State Public Sector in Nigeria

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dc.contributor.authorMohammed Lawan Bello
dc.contributor.authorAbdulrasaq Ajadi Ishola
dc.contributor.authorZulfa Jumoke Abdulkareem
dc.contributor.authorAbdulhakeem Adejumo
dc.contributor.authorAbdulrazaq Kayode Abdulkareem
dc.date.accessioned2026-05-05T08:11:58Z
dc.date.available2026-05-05T08:11:58Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.descriptionThis study examines the role of language use in performance appraisal systems and its influence on perceived fairness and performance outcomes in the public sector. It specifically investigates the effects of language clarity and feedback tone, as well as the mediating role of perceived fairness. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among civil servants in three ministries in Kwara State, Nigeria.
dc.description.abstractThis study examines the role of language use in performance appraisal systems and its influence on perceived fairness and performance outcomes in the public sector. It specifically investigates the effects of language clarity and feedback tone, as well as the mediating role of perceived fairness. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among civil servants in three ministries in Kwara State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from established literature. Out of the 128 questionnaires administered, 120 valid responses were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4. The results indicate that language clarity and feedback tone significantly and positively influence perceived fairness. Perceived fairness, in turn, exerts a strong positive effect on performance outcomes. Mediation analysis reveals that perceived fairness significantly mediates the relationships between both language clarity and performance outcomes, and feedback tone and performance outcomes. These findings highlight the significant role of communication quality in shaping employee perceptions and behaviour within performance appraisal systems. This study contributes to public administration and performance management literature by introducing language as a critical communicative mechanism in appraisal systems. It extends Organizational Justice Theory and the Job Demands–Resources model by demonstrating how linguistic features influence fairness perceptions and performance outcomes. The study also provides empirical evidence from a developing administrative context, offering practical insights for improving public sector performance management through enhanced communication practices.
dc.identifier.citationBello, M.L., Ishola, A.A., Abdulkareem, Z.J., Adejumo, A., Abdulkareem, A.A. (2025). Beyond Metrics: Language Use, Perceived Fairness, and Performance Outcomes in the Kwara State Public Sector in Nigeria. Lapai International Journal of Management and Social Sciences. 17(2). Published by the Faculty of Management Social Sciences, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai.
dc.identifier.issn2006-6473
dc.identifier.urihttps://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/123456789/18000
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherFaculty of Management and Social Sciences, IBB University, Lapai, Niger State-Nigeria
dc.subjectLanguage clarity
dc.subjectFeedback Tone
dc.subjectPerceived Fairness
dc.subjectPerformance Appraisal
dc.subjectPublic Sector
dc.titleBeyond Metrics: Language Use, Perceived Fairness, and Performance Outcomes in the Kwara State Public Sector in Nigeria
dc.typeArticle

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