The Performance Appraisal Interview: A Review of the Literature with Implications for Communication Research

A performance appraisal interview is a primary and important context for the supervisor and employee to work together to achieve superior performance. A survey of the research literature reveals that the appraisal interview functions to provide feedback on performance, to counsel and provide help, to discover what the employee is thinking, to teach the employee to problem solve, to help the employee discover ways to improve, to set performance goals, and to discuss compensation. In addition, the literature reveals three reasons that determine frequency of interview: the nature of the goal of the interview, the kind of position the employee has in the organization, and the characteristics of the employee's performance. Research on climate is centered on praise, criticism and the superior-subordinate relationship, while that on employee involvement in the performance appraisal process is divided into preparation and actual participation in the interview, including goal setting. Future research in this area should investigate employee development, credibility and interviewer style, evaluation and climate, and rhetorical strategies of the interviewee. (HOD)