For the most part, performance appraisal is a management practice which is hated by managers, ignored by employees, a disappointment to organisations.

Implementation difficulties rather than the idea itself is thought to be at the heart of the widespread disenchantment with appraisal. So the focus of this report is on how organisations, especially managers, can improve appraisal practice on their own turf.

The report begins by examining:

• the case for and against appraisal and why the practice still persists
  
• the importance of employee satisfaction with appraisal and other best practice lessons that impact on success
  

• the 4 stages of the performance appraisal process
  
• the skills and behaviours managers need to master to become effective appraisers

• Appraisal Weariness
• Revolution or Evolution?
• The 'Buy-in' Factor
• Lessons in Appraisal
• Performance Planning
• Performance Delivery
• Assessing Performance
• The Appraisal Interview
• Difficult Appraisals
• References & Further Reading