The performance appraisal process is a set of measures aimed at determining the effectiveness of those employees who realise their assigned duties, including not only the analysis of professional skills but such criteria as behaviour, motivation and some other significant aspects. Sharma and Dhar argue that in the nursing environment, this process provides a comprehensive assessment system that depends not only on traditional productivity criteria, for instance, the number of hours worked but also related factors, such as the degree of burnout. This work is carried out in several stages, which allows the management of nursing units to obtain comprehensive information about each of the subordinates in order to create the picture of medical care quality provided. As a result, this mechanism serves as an effective tool for leaders and makes it possible to find the optimal ways of influencing those workers who demonstrate insufficient high rates of productivity in comparison with their colleagues. Accordingly, the performance appraisal process has benefits for both the management and the staff.
In order to conduct the performance appraisal process correctly, it is essential to follow certain staged and carry out the phased analysis of employee productivity. Nikpeyma et al. list the goals that this activity is designed for and, based on them, it is possible to determine the steps of the assessment procedure. To begin with, it is required to find out the professional competence of employees, evaluating their level of development through testing and practical tasks. Further, the authors recommend determining the level of workers’ motivation in order to have an idea of their aims and potential achievements. One of the significant phases is identifying whether nurses have a need for development to provide them with appropriate conditions for individual growth. The final stage implies selecting those employees who deserve wage increases or other incentives. All the phases are to be implemented in working conditions to ensure the reliability of the results obtained and eliminate bias.