This work challenges readers to think more profoundly about the questions surrounding the use of appraisal. The authors separate the five discrete functions of appraisal - coaching, feedback, compensation, employee development, and legal documentation - and clarify the objectives of each. They also examine - relative to each function - the underlying assumptions and each function's track record through appraisal, including any pernicious, unintended effects. Case studies of organizations using alternative approaches are presented, and from a variety of industries: manufacturing, retail, service, and education. The authors also provide practical guidance on the elimination of appraisals and the design of alternative approaches.