This document discusses performance appraisals, including definitions, purposes, processes, methods, benefits, and issues. It defines performance appraisal as the process of evaluating an employee's job performance and providing feedback to help improve. The key purposes are to maintain organizational productivity by evaluating individual performance against goals. Common methods discussed include traditional approaches like essay, ranking, and checklists as well as modern approaches like management by objectives and 360-degree/multi-rater feedback. Benefits are identified at the individual, manager, and organizational levels, while problems like errors, resistance, and lack of knowledge are also outlined.