The effectiveness of peer review relies on the influence and
persuasion exercised by the peers during the process. This
effect is known as “peer pressure”. The peer review process can
give rise to peer pressure through, for example: a mix of formal
recommendations and informal dialogue by the peer countries;
public scrutiny, comparisons, and, in some cases, even ranking
among countries; and the impact of all the above on domestic
public opinion, national administrations and policy makers. The
impact will be greatest when the outcome of the peer review is
made available to the public, as is usually the case at the
OECD. When the press is actively engaged with the story, peer
pressure is most effective. Public scrutiny often arises from
media involvement. Peer pressure does not take the form of
legally binding acts, as sanctions or other enforcement
mechanisms. Instead, it is a means of soft persuasion which can
become an important driving force to stimulate the State to
change, achieve goals and meet standards