What is the primary purpose of conducting a performance appraisal?

The primary purpose of conducting a performance appraisal is to evaluate employee performance. This process allows managers and supervisors to assess how well an employee has met specific job expectations and performance standards over a certain period. By evaluating performance, organizations can identify strengths and areas for improvement, providing feedback that helps employees understand their contributions to the organization.

Performance appraisals also serve as a foundation for employee development plans, guiding training and development opportunities to enhance skills and competencies. It provides a structured way for employees to receive recognition for their achievements and an opportunity for dialogue about career aspirations and goals within the organization.

The other choices, such as offering promotions, setting salary increases, and developing job descriptions, are often outcomes or secondary functions of performance appraisals but do not define the primary purpose of the evaluation process itself.