What is the primary purpose of performance appraisals in the workplace?

The primary purpose of performance appraisals in the workplace is to evaluate and improve employee performance. This process allows managers and supervisors to assess how well employees meet their job expectations, identify areas for development, and provide constructive feedback. The focus is on fostering professional growth and enhancing skills, which ultimately contributes to the overall success of both the employee and the organization.

Performance appraisals serve as a collaborative tool, promoting discussions between supervisors and employees regarding performance levels, goals, and opportunities for training and development. By emphasizing improvement, appraisals not only help employees understand their strengths and weaknesses but also align their objectives with the organization's goals, leading to a stronger workplace environment and improved productivity. This approach cultivates a culture of continuous feedback and improvement rather than one that simply highlights shortcomings or rewards based solely on financial outcomes.