What is the purpose of a performance evaluation?

• A. To rate employees based on favoritism.
• B. To document performance, identify strengths and areas for improvement, set development goals, and determine assignment fit.
• C. To replace employees.
• D. To document only negative feedback.

Answer: (B)

Performance evaluations are meant to document how an employee is performing, highlight strengths, identify areas for improvement, set clear development goals, and assess how well an employee’s skills align with current or future assignments. This approach helps guide coaching, determine training needs, and inform decisions about roles, responsibilities, or promotions, based on evidence and measurable progress. It emphasizes objective feedback and growth rather than favoritism, punishment, or listing only negatives, and it isn’t used to replace employees.