The paper discusses aspects of performance appraisal in a bureaucratic setting from an appraisee point of view. The view taken is that occupational psychology emphasises a technological approach to the issue and fails to acknowledge the impact of an active appraisee in and on the process. The discussion is conducted with reference to experience gained by the author being a recipient of appraisals. The adoption of a more realistic framework to the process of appraisal is suggested.