In HR Management, what does 'appraisal' refer to?

In the field of Human Resource Management, 'appraisal' specifically refers to the systematic evaluation of employee performance. This process typically involves assessing how well employees are performing their job responsibilities and contributions to the organization. It can include various methods such as performance reviews, feedback from supervisors, and self-assessments.

The appraisal process serves multiple purposes, including identifying areas for improvement, recognizing achievements, and informing decisions related to promotions, training needs, and compensation. Regular performance appraisals are important for ensuring that employees are aligned with the organization's goals and for fostering their professional development.

While hiring new employees, creating job descriptions, and developing employee benefits are all critical HR functions, they do not directly relate to the evaluation of an individual's performance in their current role, which is the defining characteristic of an appraisal.