Research note

Testing consistency in probation decisions

A review method that compares evidence packs and outcomes across similar roles without ranking people.

Published October 22, 2026

Table of contents

The limited question

Does the documentation support the probation outcome, and are similar cases treated similarly? The unit is one completed probation review.

Check the written expectations, dated examples, support offered, worker response, and final decision. Record missing items and the decision date.

Group cases by role family and manager. Look for differences in evidence quality and outcome that are not explained by the role.

Report the sample, the completeness rate, and the unexplained differences. Do not publish individual performance data.

Small samples and manager judgment limit comparison. The method tests documentation and consistency, not the correctness of a business decision.

References supplied with this research note.

Article source directory
Source	Publisher	Context
ILO labour statistics	ilostat.ilo.org	Primary reference supplied with this article.
Philippine Statistics Authority	psa.gov.ph	Primary reference supplied with this article.
World Bank, World Development Indicators	databank.worldbank.org	Primary reference supplied with this article.