Performance appraisal is defined as the systematic review and evaluation of an employee's job performance and the provision of feedback. While the goal is for performance appraisals to be objective, human biases and perceptions can distort the process. Research on performance appraisals focuses on questions such as what the best rating format is, how rater errors affect the process, and how social and cultural contexts impact reactions to appraisals. More modern issues examine how factors like relationships, politics, and trust influence appraisals beyond just rating accuracy. Further research is still needed on how appraisal systems apply across different cultural settings.