An Exploratory Assessment of the Purposes of Performance Appraisals in North and Central America and the Pacific Rim

While performance appraisals are considered important management tools in many countries, their purposes and practices vary significantly between countries. Unfortunately, there is little empirical data on the specific practices of appraisals across countries. The focus of this study is to empirically examine the current purposes of performance appraisals in ten different countries and regions in Asia, North America, and Latin America. The purposes of appraisals studied here include documentation, development, administrative (pay and promotions), and subordinate expression. This paper also examines how the respondents believe the purposes of appraisals should ideally be practiced. Implications for research and practice are discussed.