Final answer:
The most popular method of evaluation used in organizations today is likely 360-degree feedback, as it provides a comprehensive view of an employee's performance from multiple sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which method of evaluation is most popular in organizations today. The options provided are self-assessment, peer review, 360-degree feedback, and top-down evaluation. Considering the provided references, 360-degree feedback appears to be a comprehensive method widely discussed in the literature.
Despite some studies, such as Atkins and Wood (2002), questioning the reliability of self and peer ratings, 360-degree feedback includes ratings not just from oneself and peers but also from supervisors, employees supervised by the employee, and sometimes outside observers like customers (Tornow, 1993a; 1993b). This method aims to give a multifaceted view of an employee's performance and is often used for both development and appraisal purposes.
Training effectiveness is another aspect that may be informed by 360-degree feedback, as it provides insights into areas where an employee could develop further skills (Arthur, Bennett, Edens, & Bell, 2003).