Like most HR processes, performance reviews are at least as much a CYA activity to guard against claims of discriminatory management practices as they are about

Like most HR processes, performance reviews are at least as much a CYA activity to guard against claims of discriminatory management practices as they are about actually coaching or improving performance. If there is a performance problem with somebody who happens to be a minority, documented performance reviews that are handled the same for all employees are necessary to show that the employee was not promoted or dismissed or disciplined due to bias.