27.In the performance management process,who should be primarily responsible for
28.Which formal appraisal method ranks employees from best to worst on a29.Mariam wants to improve as an employee and needs to know specifically how she
has performed and how she can improve. Which method of performance appraisal
31.Which of the following statements regarding the advantages of the behaviorallyanchored rating scale (BARS)method of performance evaluation is FALSE?
32.The alternation ranking,paired comparison,and forced distribution methods ofperformance appraisal attempt to overcome a problem with a graphic rating scale.
33.The 360-degreefeedback approach is popular among Canadian employers,despitesuch problems as the amount of time and effort involved and lack of fit withstrategic goals and other HR practices. What is another problem with 360-degree
38.Which of the following would not be considered part of the performance
39.Which of the following is a guideline for conducting an appraisal interview?
40.Michelle is a bright and promising new employee in her organization,but she doesnot seem to be living up to expectations as shown by her performance appraisals.She is pleased by the pay that she receives and is looking forward to participatingin development workshops. What part of the performance management processseems to be the greatest problem in Michelle's
Chapter 9 Performance Management and Appraisal
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Performance appraisal means evaluating an employee's current and/or past performance relative to his or her performance standards. Performance appraisal always involves setting work standards, assessing the employee's actual performance relative to those standards, and providing feedback to the employee.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Explanation: B) The purpose of providing feedback to the employee is to motivate him or her to eliminate performance deficiencies or to continue to perform above par.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: C Explanation: C) Effective goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely.
Goals should be challenging but doable, and employee participation should be encouraged. Giving consequences for failing to meet goals is not recommended and unlikely to motivate employees.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) The acronym SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
________.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Most employers still base pay and promotional decisions on the employee's appraisal. Appraisals also let the boss and subordinate develop a plan for correcting any deficiencies, and serve a useful career planning purpose. Creating a strategy map is not a likely purpose for conducting a performance appraisal.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) The supervisor—not HR—usually does the actual appraising, and a supervisor who rates his or her employees too high or too low (or all average) is doing a disservice to them and to the company. Subordinates rate supervisors in some organizations, but the upward feedback is not the primary appraisal of the supervisor.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) Supervisors, rather than HR managers, conduct the actual appraisals. However, the HR department monitors the system's effectiveness and compliance with EEO laws. HR managers also provide supervisors with tools, advice, and training in regards to performance appraisals.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Performance appraisal always involves the three-step performance appraisal process: (1) setting work standards, (2) assessing the employee's actual performance relative to those standards, and (3) providing feedback to the employee with the aim of helping him or her to eliminate performance deficiencies or to continue to perform above par.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) Defining the job means making sure that you and your subordinate agree on his or her duties and job standards and on the appraisal method you will use.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: D
Explanation: D) Supervisors' ratings are the heart of most appraisals. The supervisor usually is in the best position to evaluate the subordinate's performance and is responsible for that person's performance.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Performance appraisals are primarily performed by supervisors. However, firms are increasingly using peers, rating committees, and subordinates to conduct appraisals.
Competitors are not used for performance appraisals. Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) Peer appraisals have been shown to improve social loafing, group viability, cohesion, task motivation, and satisfaction. Employees are often motivated to meet the expectations of their colleagues.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) A rating committee usually consists of the employee's immediate supervisor and three or four other supervisors.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) Employees usually rate themselves higher than they are rated by supervisors or peers. Self-ratings are neither reliable nor valid in most cases.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Many employers let subordinates anonymously rate their supervisor's performance, a process some call upward feedback. The process helps top managers diagnose management styles, identify potential "people" problems, and take corrective action with individual managers as required.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) The evidence suggests that upward feedback improves managers' performance. One study focused on 252 managers during five annual administrations of an upward feedback program. Managers who were initially rated poor or moderate "showed significant improvements in [their] upward feedback ratings over the five-year period."
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) Many firms expand the idea of upward and peer feedback into "360-degree feedback." Here ratings are collected "all around" an employee, from supervisors, subordinates, peers, and internal or external customers.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Which of the following, if true, best supports the argument to replace Oshman's traditional appraisal methods with the performance management approach?
Answer: B
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Application of Knowledge Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: The term "appraisal" assumes that the employees knew what their performance standards were and that they received feedback required to remove performance deficiencies.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Performance appraisal always involves setting work standards, assessing the employee's actual performance relative to those standards, and providing feedback to the employee with the aim of motivating him or her to eliminate performance deficiencies or to continue to perform above par.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The third step of the performance appraisal process is providing feedback to the employee with the aim of helping him or her to eliminate performance deficiencies or to continue to perform above par.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Goals should be challenging but doable, and it is more effective for supervisors and employees to work together at setting goals. Participatively set goals usually produce higher performance.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Application of Knowledge Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Conventional appraisals are still the norm, although many progressive employers, such as Toyota, have essentially eliminated formal appraisals. Appraisals at such firms mainly involve having teammates continuously assessing each other, day-to-day. However, not all employers can or necessarily would benefit from such systems, so formal appraisals remain the most common.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: The human resources department serves a policy-making and advisory role but does not usually rate the performance of employees. It is the role of the supervisor to conduct a performance appraisal. The human resource team should also be responsible for training supervisors to improve their appraisal skills, for monitoring the appraisal system's effectiveness, and for ensuring that it complies with EEO laws.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: An effective appraisal requires a feedback session. Here, you and the subordinate discuss his or her performance and progress, and make plans for any development required.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Application of Knowledge Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Peer appraisals have been shown to have an immediate positive impact on improving the perception of open communication, task motivation, social loafing, group viability, cohesion, and satisfaction.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Managers who receive feedback from subordinates who identify themselves view the upward appraisal process more positively than do managers who receive anonymous feedback. However, subordinates (not surprisingly) are more comfortable giving anonymous responses; those who have to identify themselves tend to provide inflated ratings.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: With 360-degree feedback, ratings are collected "all around" an employee, from supervisors, subordinates, peers, and internal or external customers. Employers generally use the feedback for development rather than for pay increases.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: Managers can set effective goals by following certain guidelines.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Application of Knowledge Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: The performance appraisal process itself contains three steps: 1) setting work standards, 2) assessing the employee's actual performance relative to those standards, and 3) providing feedback.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.1 Describe the performance appraisal process.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) The graphic rating scale is the simplest and most popular method for appraising performance. A graphic rating scale lists traits and a range of performance values for each trait. The supervisor rates each subordinate by circling or checking the score that best describes the subordinate's performance for each trait.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) A graphic rating scale lists traits (such as "quality and reliability" or "teamwork") and a range of performance values (from "unsatisfactory" to "outstanding," or "below expectations" to "role model") for each trait. The supervisor rates each subordinate by circling or checking the score that best describes the subordinate's performance for each trait. The assigned values for the traits are then totaled.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Which of the following, if true, best supports the argument that a graphic rating scale is the most appropriate performance appraisal tool for Suzanne to use?
Answer: C
Explanation: C) Graphic rating scales with competency-based appraisal forms enable an employer to focus on the extent to which an employee exhibits the competencies essential for the job. Graphic rating scales do not track critical incidents, and they are not the best tool for protecting a firm from legal charges because of problems with bias, central tendency, and halo effect.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Application of Knowledge
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) A paired comparison method involves making comparisons of employees with their co-workers. The graphic rating scale measures four job-relevant job dimensions including generic job dimensions, a job's actual duties, competencies, and objectives.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) The alternation ranking method involves ranking employees from best to worst on a particular trait, choosing highest, then lowest, until all are ranked.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) It is usually easier to distinguish between the worst and best employees, and the alternation ranking method is the most popular choice for supervisors. Paired comparison and forced distribution are less popular methods for ranking employees from best to worst on a trait or traits. A graphic rating, not ranking, scale is a popular appraisal tool.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Explanation: C) The paired comparison method helps make the ranking method more precise.
For every trait (quantity of work, quality of work, and so on), you pair and compare every subordinate with every other subordinate.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Application of Knowledge
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: D
Explanation: D) The forced distribution method is similar to grading on a curve. With this method, you place predetermined percentages of appraisees into various performance categories. Difficulty: Easy
Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) The forced distribution method is similar to grading on a curve. With this method, you place predetermined percentages of appraisees into various performance categories.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Application of Knowledge
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) The forced distribution method is similar to grading on a curve. With this method, you place predetermined percentages of appraisees into various performance categories.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) The biggest complaints regarding the forced distribution method are that it damages morale. The tool is not difficult to implement, time consuming, or costly.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: C
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Compiling incidents provides a number of useful examples but doesn't produce relative ratings for pay raise purposes.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Which of the following, if true, most likely undermines the argument that the critical incident method is the most appropriate performance appraisal tool for Suzanne to use?
Answer: D
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Application of Knowledge
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) Behaviorally anchored rating scale (BARS) is an appraisal method that aims at combining the benefits of narrative critical incidents and quantified ratings by anchoring a quantified scale with specific narrative examples of good and poor performance.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Writing about critical incidents is the first step in BARS. A supervisor will ask persons who know the job (jobholders and/or supervisors) to describe specific illustrations (critical incidents) of effective and ineffective job performance.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Developing performance dimensions is the second step of the BARS process. Stacey should have these people group the incidents into 5 or 10 dimensions and then define each dimension, such as "salesmanship skills."
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Application of Knowledge
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Which of the following, if true, supports the argument that BARS is the most appropriate performance appraisal tool for Suzanne to use?
Answer: A
Explanation: A) BARS, the most accurate appraisal tool, uses critical incidents as support for ratings, which helps supervisors explain appraisals more clearly to subordinates during the appraisal interview. Upward feedback is feedback about supervisors provided by subordinates.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Application of Knowledge
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Mixed standard scales generally list just a few behavioral examples for each performance dimension. The employer then "mixes" the resulting behavioral example statements when listing them. The aim is to reduce rating errors such as leniency, by making it less obvious to the supervisor (1) what performance dimensions he or she is rating, and (2) whether the behavioral example statements represent high, medium, or low performance.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) MBO requires the manager to set specific measurable, organizationally relevant goals with each employee, and then periodically discuss the latter's progress toward these goals.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: D
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: D
Explanation: D) Electronic performance monitoring (EPM) systems use computer network technology to allow managers access to their employees' computers and telephones. They thus allow managers to monitor the employees' rate, accuracy, and time spent working online.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Electronic performance monitoring (EPM) systems use computer network technology to allow managers access to their employees' computers and telephones. They thus allow managers to monitor the employees' rate, accuracy, and time spent working online.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Application of Knowledge
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) The alternation ranking method is ranking employees from best to worst on a trait or traits.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 1 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The graphic rating scale is the simplest and most popular method for appraising performance. The forced distribution method is used by many firms, but it is not the most popular performance appraisal tool.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: In the paired comparison method, for every trait (quantity of work, quality of work, and so on), you compare every employee with every other employee.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Explanation: Proportions in each category do not need to be symmetrical with the forced distribution method of performance evaluation.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Application of Knowledge
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Distinguishing between top and bottom performers is usually not a problem when using a ranking method. The difficulty regards distinguishing meaningfully between the employees that fall in the middle.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Some firms that use the forced distribution method have policies of dismissing employees who rank at the bottom. Such policies reflect the fact that top employees often outperform average or poor ones by as much as 100%.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Paired comparison involves ranking employees by making a chart of all possible pairs of the employees for each trait and indicating which is the better employee of the pair.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: The advantages of the BARS-based evaluations include the consistency of ratings, clear standards, and its high rate of accuracy.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: MBO requires the manager to set specific measurable, organizationally relevant goals with each employee and then periodically discuss the latter's progress toward these goals. Difficulty: Moderate
Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Electronic performance monitoring (EPM) systems use computer network technology to allow managers access to their employees' computers and telephones. They thus allow managers to monitor the employees' rate, accuracy, and time spent working online.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Application of Knowledge
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: The alternation ranking method can cause disagreements among employees and may be unfair if all employees are, in fact, excellent workers. Advantages of the method include the fact that it is easy to use and avoids central tendency problems.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Application of Knowledge
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Ongoing performance monitoring usually includes using computer-based systems that measure and then e-mail progress and exception reports based on the person's progress toward meeting his or her performance goals.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Talent management involves actively managing mission-critical employees. Such employees are segmented for the purpose of receiving special coaching, feedback, and development opportunities.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: The forced distribution method is similar to grading on a curve. With this method, you place predetermined percentages of ratees into several performance categories. The proportions in each category need not be symmetrical; GE used top 20%, middle 70%, and bottom 10% for managers. The advantage of the method is that you end up with a predetermined number of people in each group. The disadvantage is that employees' appraisal results depend on your choice of cutoff points.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 2 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.2 Discuss the pros and cons of at least eight performance appraisal methods.
Answer: C
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) An appraisal that is too open to interpretation has unclear standards. Specific standards are likely to result in consistent and more easily explained performance appraisals.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Experts define halo effect as "the influence of a rater's general impression on ratings of specific ratee qualities." For example, supervisors often rate unfriendly employees lower on all traits, rather than just on "gets along well with others."
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) Experts define halo effect as "the influence of a rater's general impression on ratings of specific ratee qualities." Central tendency refers to rating all employees average. Recency effect means focusing on the most recent behavior of an employee rather than his or her performance over a year.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Application of Knowledge
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) Central tendency refers to the tendency of supervisors to rate all employees the same way, such as rating them all average.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Application of Knowledge
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) Ranking employees instead of using graphic rating scales can reduce the problem of central tendency. Ranking means you can't rate all employees as average.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Application of Knowledge
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: B Explanation: B) Some supervisors tend to rate all their subordinates consistently high or low. Leniency refers to giving high ratings, while strictness refers to giving low ratings. Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: C
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) Bias refers to the tendency to allow individual differences such as age, race, and sex to affect the appraisal ratings that employees receive. Halo effect, unclear standards, and central tendency are other problems associated with performance appraisals.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Appraisal bias has been shown to be caused by the appraisal's purpose but not the location or time of the appraisal. The personality of the supervisor, personal characteristics of the subordinate, and relationship between the two parties all tend to lead to bias.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) Graphic rating scales do not necessarily lead to effective performance appraisals, and they are susceptible to problems like bias and central tendency. Keeping a diary, knowing which tool to use and forming a performance improvement plan are all methods for improving the effectiveness of a performance appraisal.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Application of Knowledge
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: D
Explanation: D) For those for whom accuracy is a great concern, BARS are superior, but require much more time to develop and use. The integration of critical incidents helps a supervisor explain ratings to appraisees. Graphic rating scales and alternation rankings do not include critical incidents, while the critical incident method includes examples without rankings.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Application of Knowledge
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) Graphic rating scales are simple to use and provide quantitative ratings for each employee. However the tool has problems with central tendency and unclear standards.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: C
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) Courts have ruled in favor of employees when performance appraisals were based on subjective factors such as age, sex, or gender rather than actual job performance. Performance appraisals are more legally sound if based on clearly specified job performance dimensions.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: A performance appraisal tool with unclear standards will probably result in unfair appraisals, because the traits and degrees of merit are ambiguous and too open to a rater's interpretation.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Central tendency means rating all employees average. The halo effect refers to the problem that occurs when a supervisor's rating of a subordinate on one trait biases the rating of that person on other traits.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: FALSE Explanation: Using a single overall rating of performance is usually not acceptable to the courts. It is suggested that more than one appraisal tool be used. Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: The first technique is to learn and understand the potential problem and possible solutions. Simply understanding the potential for the problem can help to avoid it. Second, using the right appraisal tool for each situation is important. Third, supervisors can keep a diary of critical incidents to file and use for later reference for subordinate's appraisals. This technique helps to ensure that both negative and positive incidents are recorded. Fourth, make sure that the primary goal of the appraisal is to improve unsatisfactory performance or reinforce exemplary performance. Finally, the appraisal should be fair. Many employers use rating committees. These committees usually contain the employee's immediate supervisor and two or three other supervisors. Using multiple raters makes sense. Although there may be discrepancies among ratings by individual supervisors, the composite ratings tend to be more reliable, fair, and valid. Using several raters can also help cancel out problems like bias and halo effects.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 1, 3 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: Supervisors should conduct a job analysis to establish criteria and standards for successful performance and incorporate these criteria and standards into a rating system. It is important to communicate performance standards to employees and supervisors in writing and avoid abstract trait names when using graphic rating scales. Steps to ensure the appraisal are legally defensible are these:
Base the performance appraisal criteria on a job analysis. At the start of the period, communicate performance standards to employee in writing. Using a single overall rating of performance is not acceptable to the courts. Include an employee appeals process. One appraiser should never have absolute authority to determine a person's actions. Document all information bearing on a personnel decision in writing. Also train supervisors. If formal rater training is not possible, at least prove rates with written instruction on how to use the rating scale.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 3 AACSB: Application of Knowledge
Learning Outcome: 9.3 Give examples of potential appraisal problems and how to deal with them.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) The appraisal typically culminates in an appraisal interview. Here, the supervisor and the subordinate review the appraisal and make plans to remedy deficiencies and reinforce strengths.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 4 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.4 List steps to take in the appraisal interview.
Answer: D
Explanation: D) For employees whose performance is satisfactory but for whom promotion is not possible, the objective is to maintain satisfactory performance. The best option is usually to find incentives that are important to the person and sufficient to maintain performance, such as extra time off, a small bonus, and recognition.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 4 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.4 List steps to take in the appraisal interview.
Answer: D
Explanation: D) When a supervisor conducts an appraisal interview, it is advisable to speak in terms of objective work data with specific examples of poor performance. A supervisor should also ask the employee open-ended questions to encourage conversation and write up an action plan. It is inappropriate to compare a person's performance with another person.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 4 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.4 List steps to take in the appraisal interview.
Answer: B
Explanation: B) When you must criticize, it should be done privately and should include examples of critical incidents and specific suggestions of what to do and why. Avoid once-a-year "critical broadsides" by giving feedback periodically, so that the formal review contains no surprises. Criticism should be objective and free of personal bias.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 4 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.4 List steps to take in the appraisal interview.
Answer: A
Explanation: A) Written warnings should identify the employee's standards, make it clear that the employee was aware of the standard, specify any deficiencies relative to the standard, and show the employee had an opportunity to correct his or her performance.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 4 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.4 List steps to take in the appraisal interview.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Appraisal interviews involve a supervisor and a subordinate reviewing the appraisal and making plans to correct deficiencies and reinforce strengths. Exit interviews are conducted when an employee leaves a company.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 4 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.4 List steps to take in the appraisal interview.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Satisfactory–not promotable appraisal interviews are for employees whose performance is satisfactory but for whom promotion is not possible. The objective here is to maintain satisfactory performance. The best option is usually to find incentives that are important to the person and sufficient to maintain performance, such as extra time off or a small bonus.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 4 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.4 List steps to take in the appraisal interview.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: When the person's performance is unsatisfactory but correctable, the interview objective is to lay out an action plan for correcting the unsatisfactory performance. Employees who have satisfactory performance but who are not promotable should be encouraged with incentives.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 4 AACSB: Application of Knowledge Learning Outcome: 9.4 List steps to take in the appraisal interview.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: An employee's performance may be so weak that it requires a formal written warning. Such warnings serve two purposes: (1) They may serve to shake your employee out of his or her bad habits, and (2) they can help you defend your rating, both to your own boss and (if needed) to the courts.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 4 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.4 List steps to take in the appraisal interview.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 1, 4 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.4 List steps to take in the appraisal interview.
Answer: The first type of appraisal interview is the satisfactory-promotable appraisal interview. This occurs when the person's performance is satisfactory and there is a promotion ahead. The objective is to discuss the person's career plans and to develop a specific action plan for the educational and professional development the person needs to move to the next job.
The second type of interview is the satisfactory-not promotable appraisal interview. This is for employees whose performance is satisfactory but for whom promotion is not possible. The objective is to maintain satisfactory performance. The best option is to find incentives that are important to the person.
The third type of interview is the unsatisfactory but correctable interview. In this situation, the objective is to develop an action plan for correcting the unsatisfactory performance.
The final type of interview is the unsatisfactory-uncorrectable interview. In this situation, the interview may even be skipped. The person's poor performance is tolerated or the person is dismissed.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 4 AACSB: Analytical Thinking Learning Outcome: 9.4 List steps to take in the appraisal interview.
Answer: D
Explanation: D) Performance management is the continuous process of identifying, measuring, and developing the performance of individuals and teams and aligning their performance with the organization's goals.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 6 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.6 Explain how you would take a performance management approach to appraisal.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) Direction sharing means communicating the company's higher-level goals (including its vision, mission, and strategy) throughout the company and then translating these into doable departmental, team, and individual goals.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 6 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.6 Explain how you would take a performance management approach to appraisal.
All of the following questions are relevant to Oshman's decision to replace its traditional appraisal methods with the performance management approach EXCEPT:
Explanation: D) Issues related to performance management include the technology used to monitor employee performance, methods for providing feedback, development of goals, and incentives. Identifying critical incidents is an issue related to traditional appraisal methods rather than performance management.
Difficulty: Hard Chapter: 9 Objective: 6 AACSB: Application of Knowledge
Learning Outcome: 9.6 Explain how you would take a performance management approach to appraisal.
Answer: C
Explanation: C) Performance management means continuously re-evaluating and (if need be) modifying how the employee and team get their work done. Depending on the issue, this may mean additional training, changing work procedures, or instituting new incentive plans, for instance. Performance management also involves continuous rather than annual performance appraisals, which are managed through computerized systems.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 6 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.6 Explain how you would take a performance management approach to appraisal.
Answer: A Explanation: A) Habit creation is not one of the basic elements of performance management. Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 6 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.6 Explain how you would take a performance management approach to appraisal.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Performance management is the continuous process of identifying, measuring, and developing the performance of individuals and teams and aligning their performance with the organization's goals.
Difficulty: Easy Chapter: 9 Objective: 6 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.6 Explain how you would take a performance management approach to appraisal.
Difficulty: Moderate Chapter: 9 Objective: 6 AACSB: Analytical Thinking
Learning Outcome: 9.6 Explain how you would take a performance management approach to appraisal.