What assessment method provides ongoing feedback on employee progress and development?

The correct answer is formative appraisal, which is recognized for its emphasis on ongoing feedback regarding employee performance and development. This method focuses on continuous assessment rather than a final evaluation. Through formative appraisals, managers and employees can engage in regular discussions about performance, set developmental goals, and track progress over time. The iterative nature of this assessment allows for adjustments and improvements to be made in real time, contributing to employee growth and skill enhancement.

In contrast, summative appraisal is typically conducted at the end of a performance period and is aimed at evaluating overall performance rather than providing continuous feedback. Peer appraisal involves evaluations conducted by colleagues, which can be valuable but does not inherently focus on ongoing development in the same systematic way as formative appraisal. Top-down appraisal refers to evaluations conducted by higher management, which may provide feedback but often lacks the comprehensive developmental focus characteristic of formative assessments. Overall, formative appraisal stands out as the most effective method for fostering development through constant feedback.