Abstract: This paper develops a framework of performance appraisal across organizational life cycles. In building the framework, the theoretical foundations, including competitive status and organizational strategies in organizational life cycles are discussed first. Furthermore, the key processes regarding performance appraisal, including the needed employee behaviors, performance criteria, performance ambiguity, and appraisal methods, are reviewed. In each stage of organizational life cycles, these elements will be gone through so that the appropriate strategy of performance appraisal may be decided.
Keywords: Performance appraisal, organizational life cycles, performance criteria, performance ambiguity, type of appraisal methods
