After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

• Explain the performance assessment and management process.
• Explain the strategic importance of performance assessment.
• Describe the functions of performance assessment.
• Detail the criteria for a good assessment system.
• Discuss the issues involved in deciding what types of performance to measure.
• Explain the methods of appraising performance.
• Identify sources from which performance ratings may be obtained.
• Describe methods for improving the accuracy of assessment.
• Discuss the challenges posed to performance assessment by contemporary workplace practices.
• Describe methods of providing feedback of results, including the types of interviews, problems with the assessment interview, and techniques to improve the performance assessment interview.