Benefits of peer review in the workplace
The Advantages of the Peer Review Appraisal Method
By Catherine Lovering Related
Peer review appraisal is a way to more effectively gauge the performance of employees by establishing relevant evaluation criteria, and using those best equipped to speak about an individual's work to grade him accordingly. Peer review can take the form of disciplinary panels or ongoing feedback between co-workers. In either case, the method enhances employee trust and communication. Show
Employee Knowledge and HonestyEmployees are usually better equipped than managers to gauge the skills of their colleagues, and the best to identify areas for improvement. Employees are generally upfront with criticism and praise for colleagues within a peer review process, despite initial apprehension. Managers, on the other hand, might shy away from direct criticism for fear of upsetting the team dynamic. Team-Building EffectPeer review reinforces the idea that all employees are part of the same team and work interdependently toward a common goal. If employees are taught, through the introduction of a peer review process, that their colleagues' opinions are as important as those of their boss, they will work hard to impress those they work alongside. This collaborative approach invariably aids the smooth functioning of the entire team. LegitimacyPeer review schemes that include disciplinary panels made up of both workers and management, or workers alone, are supported by the workforce. The panel is effective because of this legitimacy and its ability to engage workers in the review process. The process tends not only to stay on the task at hand -- for example, reviewing an employee's progress according to a set of criteria, or investigating an incident that may result in discipline -- but also tends to be more accurate because of worker involvement. Interdepartmental Cohesion and RecognitionPeer review schemes help employees gain insight into the jobs and day-to-day tasks of others. This fosters understanding and cohesion between departments. Since workers are consulted about the performance of their colleagues, quality employees who might otherwise be overlooked by management receive recognition; it's not simply the workers who promote their own excellence that receive the attention of the higher-ups. References
Writer Bio Catherine Lovering has written about business, tax, careers and pets since 2006. Lovering holds a B.A. (political science), LL.B. (law) and LL.L. (civil law). Related ArticlesApproaches to Job EvaluationEffectiveness of Performance Appraisal ProcessesHow to Change Perceptions at WorkHow to Counteract Negative Attitudes Toward Performance AppraisalsPerformance Appraisal Systems in OrganizationsResults of Domineering Management StylesThe Advantages and Disadvantages of Comprehensive Performance Evaluations by SubordinatesWhat Are Effective Management and Motivational Theories in Relation to Problem Solving?Staff Evaluation Forms & Feedback ToolsWhat Form of Reliability Affects Employee Performance?Top-Down Performance Appraisal MethodHow to Measure the Effectiveness of an Employee Evaluation ProcessMost Popular
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