Performance management is used to align employee performance with organizational goals through establishing frameworks to direct, monitor, evaluate, and reward individual performance. It is widely used and has both strategic and individual importance, but can be difficult for managers. Effective performance management systems include setting objectives, reviewing performance against objectives, identifying development needs, and linking individual and team objectives. Key aspects include conducting appraisal interviews with open questions, active listening, providing evidence-based feedback, and ending positively with agreed action plans.