ABSTRACT
In an organization which has decided to have some formal staff assessment scheme, there is a choice between using as the main instrument interviews or written reports. This chapter discusses the advantages and disadvantages of a system based mainly on annual or other periodic interviews with staff. Interviews of this type are commonly known as 'evaluation interviews', or to use a rather more attractive term, 'staff appraisal interviews'. The existence of a staff appraisal interview scheme compels supervisors to consult their staff fully at least once a year and hence become better informed as to their interests and aspirations. A staff appraisal scheme not only enables the personnel branch to develop the potentialities of staff by taking appropriate action following the interviews, but provides an opportunity for the interviewers to apply suitable spurs during the interviews themselves.
