What primary function do process audits serve?

Process audits primarily serve to ensure standardized quality practices within an organization. They are designed to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of existing processes against predefined standards and best practices. By conducting these audits, organizations can verify whether processes are being followed correctly, identify areas that may require improvement, and ensure compliance with established quality management systems.

The emphasis on standardized quality practices is crucial because it helps maintain consistency, enhances reliability, and supports continuous improvement initiatives. It ensures that outputs meet the required quality standards, thereby improving overall performance and customer satisfaction.

While other options may be relevant to various aspects of organizational growth, they do not align with the primary objective of process audits. Identifying employee performance, creating new processes, and finding product innovations are more focused on individual contributions, development, and innovation, rather than the standardization and assessment of existing processes.