Where I’m currently working employees that receive a needs improvement or partially meeting expectations during a review cycle are automatically placed on a PIP. The details of the PIP are created by the manager and a c-level exec, then reviewed and approved by HR. It’s shared with the employee, they have the ability to discuss the PIP feedback and come to an agreement on the expectations and support they will receive from the manager. It’s a hit or miss, I’ve seen people improve and later be promoted, but not always, however it’s an organized and smooth process.