Are Performance Appraisals Pre Historic?

The annual performance appraisal has been institutionalised in most organisations and it is, to many, a familiar foe. It is a time set aside for line managers to talk to their staff about achievements, based on goals often set over a year ago, and to set new objectives for the coming year. Thankfully, there is usually also at least a passing nod given to individual development planning.

The performance appraisal is used in organisations as a way to manage performance, to distribute reward, and to identify future talent. When done badly, the process is perceived in negative terms by individuals concerned about being ‘judged’ and by line managers who consider it as ‘yet another’ administrative task.