On what criteria are performance appraisals primarily based?

The primary basis for performance appraisals is work standards, which are established benchmarks that outline the expected levels of performance for specific roles or tasks within an organization. These standards serve as a reference point for evaluating an employee's effectiveness in their job. By comparing an employee’s actual performance against these predefined work standards, organizations can assess how well an employee meets their job expectations.

Work standards encompass a range of factors, including quality of work, productivity, and adherence to policies and procedures. This objective basis helps ensure that appraisals are fair, consistent, and focused on the measurable aspects of an employee's job performance, rather than subjective opinions or external feedback.

While personal opinions, peer feedback, and past performance reviews may play a role in the overall assessment process, they are generally considered supplementary to the objective criteria established by work standards. This reliance on standardized metrics helps create a more structured and equitable appraisal process that aligns with organizational goals.