What is the main purpose of a performance appraisal?

The main purpose of a performance appraisal is to assess an employee's current and/or past performance. This process is designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the individual's work abilities, accomplishments, and areas for improvement over a specific period. By focusing on actual performance, managers can identify strengths and weaknesses in an employee's work, aligning it with organizational goals and expectations.

This appraisal not only provides feedback to the employee but also facilitates developmental discussions, helping to guide future performance and professional growth. It serves as a key tool in performance management by establishing a basis for identifying training needs, career development opportunities, and overall contributions of the employee within the organization.

While evaluating aspects such as attendance, salary determinations, and promotion considerations may occur during discussions related to performance appraisals, these are secondary outcomes rather than the primary goal of the appraisal process itself. The primary focus remains on understanding and evaluating the employee's job performance and contributions within their role.