Final answer:
The first step in conducting an objective appraisal of an employee's job performance is to compare the employee's performance against established standards. Standards provide a benchmark for fair assessment before considering supplementary opinions or interpersonal skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
In conducting an objective appraisal of an employee's current job performance, the first step should be to compare the employee's performance with standards. Before gathering opinions or assessing interpersonal skills, having a clear benchmark based on the original job analysis and previously set goals is crucial to ensure that the appraisal is focused and fair. Performance standards provide the foundation against which all other feedback, whether from supervisors, co-workers, or via 360-degree performance appraisal methods, can be evaluated.
Performance appraisals often include discussions about performance, behavior in the workplace, and the potential development of a work plan to guide future work efforts. Crucial to the appraisal's success is alignment with the organization's culture and goals. Additionally, it is an active area of research to assess the effectiveness of different performance appraisal methods, such as the 360-degree feedback appraisal, to ensure they are utilized appropriately within an organization's specific context.