What can hinder the effectiveness of performance reviews?

The effectiveness of performance reviews can be significantly hindered by a lack of clear objectives and criteria. When performance evaluations do not have well-defined goals or specific metrics, it becomes difficult for both the evaluator and the employee to understand what is expected. Clear objectives provide a framework for assessing performance and ensure that both parties are aligned on what constitutes success. Without this clarity, reviews can become subjective or vague, leading to confusion and potentially disappointing outcomes for employees who may not know how to improve or what areas to focus on. Consequently, having clear and measurable objectives is essential to facilitate productive discussions in performance reviews and enhance overall effectiveness.