Which type of appraisal is conducted by a direct supervisor?

The type of appraisal conducted by a direct supervisor is referred to as a top-down appraisal. In this approach, feedback and evaluations flow from higher levels of the organizational hierarchy to lower ones, typically from a direct supervisor to their subordinates. This method allows the supervisor to provide insights based on their observations of the employee's performance, skills, competencies, and contributions to the team or organization.

Top-down appraisals can offer a clear assessment of an employee's work, tailored to the specific expectations and objectives of the supervisor's area of responsibility. This type of appraisal is often tied to performance reviews and can influence decisions on promotions, raises, and professional development opportunities.

In contrast, peer appraisals involve evaluations from colleagues at the same level, focusing on collaboration and teamwork. Formative appraisals are primarily aimed at providing ongoing feedback to help individuals improve and grow, rather than a formal performance assessment. Behavioral appraisals focus specifically on the behaviors exhibited by employees in their roles, evaluating whether these behaviors align with the company's values and expectations. These differing focuses illustrate why the top-down appraisal is specifically characterized by the involvement of a direct supervisor.