Answer :
Final answer:
A performance appraisal is typically conducted in the middle stage of performance management. It serves as a critical checkpoint for providing feedback and adjusting goals before the final evaluation.
Explanation:
A performance appraisal is a key component of performance management and is used to evaluate an employee's effectiveness at their job. In the context of performance management, the employer often conducts a reality check during the middle stage. This stage is critical because it provides an opportunity for ongoing feedback and development before the final evaluation.
This middle stage allows both the employee and employer to assess progress towards objectives, identify areas for improvement, and make any necessary adjustments to performance goals. It serves as an interim review between the initial goal-setting and the final performance assessment, hence it could be referred to as the 'Checkpoint' or 'Progress Review' stage.