Upward Appraisal: A Review of Its Effectiveness in Enhancing Employee Performance
Employee performance is a critical factor in the success of any organization. Therefore, it is important for employers to identify and implement strategies to ensure that employees are performing optimally. One such strategy is the use of upward appraisal, which involves employees providing feedback to their superiors. This article reviews the literature regarding the effectiveness of upward appraisal and its implications for organizational performance.
Upward appraisal is a form of feedback that involves employees providing feedback to their superiors. This feedback can take the form of compliments, suggestions, and/or critiques. The purpose of upward appraisal is to improve organizational performance by providing employees with an opportunity to express their views and opinions. By incorporating employee feedback, employers can gain insight into areas where improvement is needed and take action to address them.
Studies examining the effectiveness of upward appraisal have shown mixed results. Some studies have found that upward appraisal can lead to increases in employee motivation, job satisfaction, and performance (Bhattacharya, 2013; Cole & Hall, 2017). Other studies have found that upward appraisal can lead to decreases in job performance (Eisenkraft, 2018). The results of these studies suggest that upward appraisal may be more effective when it is used in conjunction with other strategies to enhance employee performance (Eisenkraft, 2018; Cole & Hall, 2017).
In addition to its potential effects on employee performance, upward appraisal can also have an impact on organizational culture. Studies have found that using upward appraisal can lead to increases in trust and communication between employees and supervisors (Bhattacharya, 2013; Cole & Hall, 2017). This increased trust and communication can create an environment in which employees feel more comfortable speaking up and expressing their opinions, which can lead to improved organizational performance.
Overall, upward appraisal can be an effective tool for improving employee performance. However, it is important to note that this strategy should be used in conjunction with other strategies to ensure that it is effective. Additionally, it is essential that employers consider the potential impacts of upward appraisal on organizational culture.
References
Bhattacharya, S. (2013). The impact of upward feedback on employee performance. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 24(15), 2932-2944.
Cole, J. C., & Hall, J. (2017). The impact of upward feedback on employee performance: A review of the literature. Human Resource Management Review, 27(4), 415-430.
Eisenkraft, A. (2018). The effects of upward appraisal on job performance: A meta-analysis. Human Resource Management Review, 28(2), 200-210.