Which appraisal measures an employee's performance against a set of predefined standards?

The summative appraisal is a performance evaluation method that measures an employee's performance against a specific set of predefined standards or benchmarks. This type of appraisal typically takes place at the end of a performance period, such as annually or semi-annually, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of an employee's overall performance in relation to established goals and expectations.

By focusing on standard criteria, summative appraisals provide clear metrics for evaluating effectiveness, productivity, and areas for improvement. This allows organizations to ensure that employees meet the required job competencies and helps in decision-making regarding promotions, bonuses, or further training needs.

In contrast, peer appraisal involves assessments from colleagues, which focuses more on interpersonal and collaborative aspects rather than predefined performance standards. Formative appraisal is a developmental process aimed at providing ongoing feedback during the evaluation period rather than a final measurement of performance. Top-down appraisal refers to evaluations conducted by higher-level management and can lack the structured standards found in summative appraisal, as it may also incorporate subjective judgments depending on managerial perspective.