Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Performance Management Practices and the Quality of Theatrical Stage Performance in Bayelsa State: A Conceptual Framework

Patrick Prekebena, Jonah Watari Sarah, Brown Christian

Abstract

This is a conceptual paper that explores how performance management practices such as training, supervision, performance appraisal, and motivation shape the quality of theatrical stage performance in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study synthesises scholarly literature, policy documents, institutional publications, and documented evidence relating to theatre, cultural production, and performance infrastructure. The framework is anchored on Goal-Setting Theory (Locke & Latham, 1990) and Systems Theory (Von Bertalanffy, 1968). The study argues that theatrical quality is produced through the interaction of human capability, management practices, institutional arrangements, physical infrastructure, and cultural resources rather than through artistic talent alone. Training leads to technical and creative competence; supervision strengthens rehearsals and production activities; appraisal provides essential feedback and opportunities for improvement; while motivation encourages commitment and creative engagement. However, the effectiveness of these practices is noted to be conditioned by the availability and management of appropriate performance spaces. The study further integrates indigenous performance traditions, particularly Epie-Atissa cultural expression, to demonstrate that Bayelsa possesses established P-ISSN 2695-186X systems of cultural transmission, communal participation, and performance that can complement contemporary theatre management. It proposes that sustainable improvement in theatrical performance requires an integrated management system that combines professional training and supervision, developmental appraisal, appropriate motivation, functional infrastructure, and the preservation and productive adaptation of indigenous cultural resources. The paper offers a testable model and a research agenda for empirical validation.

Keywords

Performance ManagementTheatre ManagementTheatrical PerformanceTrainingSupervisionPerformance AppraisalMotivationIndigenous PerformanceBayelsa State

References

Abubakar, A., Saidin, S. Z., & Ahmi, A. (2016). Performance management antecedents and public sector organizational performance: Empirical evidence from Nigeria. International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, 6(7S), 232–239. Adeboye, G. E. (2025a). Rethinking stage management as a cybernetic coordination system: Information flow, control, and sustainable theatre production in contemporary Nigeria [Preprint]. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4885823 Adeboye, G. E. (2025b). Policy gaps and practice realities of stage management training in Nigerian theatre arts curricula [Preprint]. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.31392.78088 Adeniyi, A. O. (2023). Effective theatre production management: An indicator for sustenance of educational theatre. Journal of Arts & Social Sciences, 13(1), 208–215. Africa Film Academy. (2006). 2nd Africa Movie Academy Awards ceremony programme. Gloryland Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Africa Film Academy. (2007). 3rd Africa Movie Academy Awards ceremony programme. Gloryland Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Aguinis, H. (2019). Performance management (4th ed.). Chicago Business Press. Akomolafe, G. O. (1985). Theatre management in higher educational institutions in Nigeria: A case study of the University of Ibadan, Ife and Lagos theatres [Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Obafemi Awolowo University]. Atakiti, J. K. (2024). Personnel management and performance of National Arts Theatre, Lagos, Nigeria [Master's thesis, Lead City University]. Bardi, J. N., & Lasisi, B. A. (2019). Management of departmental theatrical productions in selected Nigerian universities. Journal of Current Research in the Humanities, 23(1), 34–51. Eneanya, A. N. (2018). Performance management system and public service delivery in Nigeria: Impacts, problems, challenges and prospects. Africa's Public Service Delivery and Performance Review, 6, Article a201. Epskamp, K. P. (1982). Training popular theater trainers: A case study of Nigeria (Occasional Paper No. 10; ERIC No. ED234950). Michigan State University. Iyamah, O. O., & Anyanwu, C. (2025). Costumiers and the quest for authenticity in resource- constrained Nigerian university theatres. West African Arts Review, 8(1), 55–72. Komander, V., & König, A. (2022). Organizations on stage: Organizational research and the performing arts. Management Review Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11301-022- 00309-3 Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (1990). A theory of goal setting and task performance. Prentice- Hall. National Bureau of Statistics. (2022). Multidimensional poverty index 2022. Federal Government of Nigeria. National Institute for Cultural Orientation. (2013). NAFEST has the potentials of growing our economy. NICO. National Institute for Cultural Orientation. (2025). Bayelsa Food and Art Festival. NICO. https://nico.gov.ng/bayelsa-food-and-art-festival/ National Universities Commission. (2024). Benchmark minimum academic standards for Theatre Arts programmes. NUC. Niger Delta Development Commission. (2021). Audit of community-based cultural projects (Annual Report). NDDC. P-ISSN 2695-186X Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. (2023). Oil and gas industry audit 2023: An independent report assessing and reconciling physical, process and financial flows. NEITI. https://neiti.gov.ng Okonkwo, C. (2015). The Nigerian theatre: A historical perspective. Kraft Books. Oliogu, O. T. (2025). The creative process in theatrical play production: From conception to performance. International Journal of Religion, Humanity and Cultural Heritage, 1(3), 103–114. https://doi.org/10.66324/ijrch.v1i3.150 Otite, O. (2000). The Ijaw people: A study of ethnicity and identity. Onyoma Research Publications. Prekebena, P., Ebitimi-Edward, E. O., & Ige, V. O. (2026). Assessing the impact of NGO intervention outcomes on sustainable development in Nigeria. International Journal of Humanities, Economic Development and Contemporary Studies, 2(2), 54–70. https://journals.iempsglobal.org/index.php/IJHEDCS Prekebena, P., Ebitimi-Edward, E. O., & Woyinkeditonmene, O. O. (2024). Capacity building and employee job performance in public organizations in Bayelsa State. International Journal of Tourism and Technology, 2(1), 56–64. Prekebena, P., & Nnamdi, S. C. (2026). Strategic management and organizational performance in the Nigerian tourism industry. International Journal of Economics, Finance, Accounting and Management, 3(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.66993/ijefam1345920261-16 Sakpere, R. O. (2021). Effectiveness of employees' performance appraisal in the Nigerian public sector: An empirical study. World Journal of Social Science Research, 8(3), 15–29. Theatre Learning. (2024). Managing performance appraisal via the G.R.O.W. coaching model in performing arts organizations. Theatre Learning Professional Development Series. Tribune Online. (2024, September 8). Maiden Yenagoa Book & Arts Festival holds. Tribune Online. https://tribuneonlineng.com/maiden-yenagoa-book-arts-festival-holds/ United Nations Development Programme. (2020). Nigeria human development report 2020. UNDP. https://hdr.undp.org United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (2022). Framework for cultural statistics. UNESCO Institute for Statistics. https://uis.unesco.org Von Bertalanffy, L. (1968). General system theory: Foundations, development, applications. George Braziller.

More Articles from IIARD INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Impacts of Agricultural Interventions and Projects (2005-2025) on Agribusiness Participation and Income-Generating Ability of Farmers in Nigeria

Author: H. Sallawu, S. Adebonojo, E. A. Agboola, R. O. Akande, B. A. Kadiri, A. Abdullahi, R., A. Lasisi, F. Muhammed, O. R. Ogunbukola, S. A. Olanrewaju, M. A. Olatunde, S., Salam, A. O. Sanusi, J. C. Uwakwe, and J. N. Nmadu