The document discusses performance appraisals, which are formal evaluations of how employees perform their duties. Performance appraisals should be conducted in writing at least annually and include feedback shared with the employee. They are used for decisions around salary, promotion, training, and termination. Both traditional and modern methods are described, including confidential reports, essays, rankings, checklists, and 360-degree feedback. The goals of performance appraisals are determining training needs, providing feedback, and improving employee performance and development. Limitations include bias if the supervisor knows the employee well and the difficulty appraising some employee qualities.