The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Performance Appraisal: An Analysis Of Hr Professionals Perspectives

The aim of this paper is to identify the benefits and challenges associated with the use of artificial intelligence in the professional performance appraisal process, by exploring the perceptions of human resources experts. The research adopts a qualitative methodology, based on ten semi-structured interviews conducted with HR managers from six private organisations in Romania that use AI-based assessment systems. The data were transcribed and analysed using thematic coding in the ATLAS.ti platform, providing an integrated view of the phenomenon under study. The results highlight that the integration of AI is perceived as a factor in reducing human subjectivity, ensuring procedural fairness through the standardisation of criteria and the use of quantifiable indicators. However, the analysis reveals critical concerns regarding the vulnerability of training data and the risk of perpetuating historical biases under the guise of technological neutrality. The study emphasises the importance of the ‘Human-in-the-Loop’ concept, arguing that ultimate responsibility must be shared: whilst the organisation provides the technological framework, the manager acts as a validation agent to contextualise algorithmic results. The conclusions indicate that the success of implementing these systems depends fundamentally on process transparency, algorithmic literacy and guaranteeing the right to an explanation, transforming technological opacity into an ethical and fair evaluation system.