What is a Performance Appraisal?

Performance appraisal, also known as performance review or evaluation, is a systematic process used by organizations to assess and measure their employees’ job performance and contributions. It is a formal evaluation that aims to provide feedback to employees regarding their work performance, identify areas of strength and improvement, and determine their overall effectiveness in fulfilling their job responsibilities.

How is a performance appraisal done?

Here are some of the most common methods for conducting performance appraisals:

• Management by Objectives (MBO): MBO involves setting goals from specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART) employee objectives. Performance is then assessed based on the extent to which employees achieve these objectives.
• 360-degree feedback: In this method, employers collect feedback from multiple sources, including supervisors, peers, subordinates, and sometimes external stakeholders. It provides a comprehensive view of an employee’s performance by incorporating different perspectives.
• Assessment centers: This method involves assessing an employee’s skills and abilities through various exercises, such as role-plays, simulations, and interviews.
• Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS): BARS combines elements of rating scales and critical incident techniques. They use specific behavioral examples to illustrate different performance levels, helping to ensure more accurate and consistent evaluations.
• Self-assessment: This method allows employees to evaluate their performance by reflecting on their strengths, weaknesses, achievements, and areas for improvement. The self-assessment is typically reviewed and discussed with the supervisor.

What are the benefits of performance appraisals?

Some of the benefits of performance appraisals are:

• Performance appraisals allow employees to hear from their managers about their work performance. This feedback can be used to identify areas where employees are doing good and where they can improve.
• Performance appraisals can also be used to help employees set goals for the future. This can help employees to stay motivated and focused on their work.
• Performance appraisals can help employers identify top performers and reward them with promotions, bonuses, or other forms of recognition.
• Performance appraisals can be used to make compensation decisions. Employees who perform well can get raises or bonuses.
• Performance appraisals can also be used to identify training needs. Employees struggling in certain areas may need additional training to improve their performance.

Performance Appraisal – FAQs

How to prepare for a performance appraisal?

To prepare for a performance appraisal, evaluate your performance throughout the year, listing your achievements throughout the year. Also include a list of professional goals and development plans to discuss during the appraisal meeting.

Why are performance appraisals necessary?

Performance appraisals are an employer’s best tool to monitor the performance of employees. They assess employees’ work and effectiveness and their ability to contribute positively to the organization and its goals. In addition, it is also designed to get employee feedback, suggestions, and grievances. Employers and employees can collaborate more effectively through this process, resulting in better organizational performance.