A qualitative study that investigates the experience of employee appraisal interview through interviews with eight employees at a medium-sized company in Sweden. The study aims to deepen the understanding of employee appraisal interviews based on two central research questions.

● What significance does employee appraisal interview have for the employee in the organization?

● How do employees perceive that their relationship with their managers affects their employee appraisal?

The results of the study show that employees do not perceive performance appraisal interviews as rewarding from an efficiency or organizational perspective. However, the interviews are described as important in terms of fostering good relationships between employees and managers. The study is based on theoretical frameworks such as new institutional theory, which incorporates concepts like isomorphism and legitimacy to understand employee appraisal interviews as a process and their purpose. Additionally, Goffman's dramaturgical perspective is highlighted to explain roles and their interactions, aiming to understand the relationships between employees and managers. In summary, the study indicates that employees do not perceive employee appraisal interviews as an effective process. Instead, the study reveals that employees view their relationship with their manageras a central motivational factor, but this relationship is primarily formed and maintained through everyday interactions rather than annual employee appraisal interviews.