Appraisal vs. Evaluation

Attribute	Appraisal	Evaluation
Purpose	Assessing the value or quality of something	Determining the worth or significance of something
Scope	Can be narrow or broad in focus	Usually comprehensive and covers all aspects
Timing	Can be ongoing or periodic	Usually conducted at specific points in time
Subjectivity	Can involve subjective judgments	Strives for objectivity and impartiality
Criteria	May have flexible or subjective criteria	Usually based on predefined criteria

Definition

Appraisal and evaluation are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings in the context of assessment. Appraisal refers to the act of assessing the value or quality of something, such as an employee's performance or a piece of artwork. Evaluation, on the other hand, involves making a judgment or determination about the worth or significance of something based on a set of criteria or standards.

Purpose

The purpose of appraisal is typically to provide feedback, identify areas for improvement, and make decisions about rewards or promotions. It is often used in performance management systems in organizations to assess employee performance and provide guidance for development. Evaluation, on the other hand, is more focused on making overall judgments about the effectiveness, efficiency, or impact of a program, project, or policy. It is often used to inform decision-making, improve outcomes, and demonstrate accountability.

Process

Appraisal processes are usually more informal and subjective, relying on the judgment of the appraiser based on observations, interactions, and feedback. Appraisals may involve self-assessments, peer reviews, and supervisor evaluations. Evaluation processes, on the other hand, are typically more formal and structured, involving the collection and analysis of data to assess performance against predetermined criteria or standards. Evaluations may include surveys, interviews, observations, and document reviews.

Scope

Appraisal tends to be more focused on individual performance or specific tasks, projects, or products. It is often used to provide feedback on a particular aspect of someone's work or to make decisions about their future development. Evaluation, on the other hand, is usually broader in scope, looking at the overall effectiveness or impact of a program, policy, or organization. Evaluations may consider multiple factors, stakeholders, and outcomes to provide a comprehensive assessment.

Timing

Appraisal is often conducted on a regular basis, such as annually or quarterly, to provide ongoing feedback and support continuous improvement. It is typically tied to performance management cycles and may involve goal-setting and development planning. Evaluation, on the other hand, is usually conducted at specific points in time, such as at the end of a project or program, to assess outcomes and inform decision-making. Evaluations may also be conducted periodically to track progress and make adjustments.

Outcome

The outcome of an appraisal is usually focused on individual development, performance improvement, and decision-making about rewards or promotions. It is intended to provide feedback and support growth. The outcome of an evaluation, on the other hand, is often focused on accountability, learning, and decision-making about the future direction of a program, policy, or organization. It is intended to provide insights and recommendations for improvement.