Chapter 9 Performance Management and Appraisal: Human Resource Management, 12e (Dessler)
Chapter 9 Performance Management and Appraisal: Human Resource Management, 12e (Dessler)
Chapter 9 Performance Management and Appraisal: Human Resource Management, 12e (Dessler)
E) critical incident
Answer: B
Explanation: 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.
12) Wilson Consulting is a management consulting firm with seventy employees. As associate
vice president of marketing, Suzanne Boyle is responsible for conducting performance appraisals
of the twelve employees under her direct supervision. Suzanne plans to use a graphic rating scale
to evaluate the performance of her subordinates.
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?
A) The firm wants Suzanne to evaluate her subordinates on an ongoing basis and to keep a log of
critical incidents.
B) Employees in Suzanne's department who are categorized in the bottom 10% of the firm's
employees will be immediately dismissed.
C) Suzanne wants to ensure that the firm is protected from employee discrimination lawsuits, so
she has conducted a job analysis of each position.
D) Suzanne wants a quantitative rating of each employee based on competencies important to the
firm, such as problem-solving skills.
E) Employees in Suzanne's department participated in developing their own performance
standards when they were first hired by the firm.
Answer: D
Explanation: 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.
13) All of the following are usually measured by a graphic rating scale EXCEPT ________.
A) generic dimensions of performance
B) performance of actual duties
C) performance of co-workers
D) achievement of objectives
E) job-related competencies
Answer: C
Explanation: 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.
14) Which performance appraisal tool requires supervisors to categorize employees from best to
worst on various traits?
A) digital dashboard
B) graphic rating scale
C) critical incident method
D) alternation ranking method
E) electronic performance monitoring
Answer: D
Explanation: The alternation ranking method involves ranking employees from best to worst on a
particular trait, choosing highest, then lowest, until all are ranked. A graphic rating scale
lists a number of traits and a range of performance for each. The employee is then rated by
identifying the score that best describes his or her level of performance for each trait.
15) The most popular method for ranking employees is the ________ method.
A) graphic ranking scale
B) constant sum ranking scale
C) alternation ranking
D) paired comparison
E) forced distribution
Answer: C
Explanation: 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.
16) Kendra needs to rate five of her subordinates. She makes a chart of all possible pairs of
employees for each trait being evaluated. Then, she indicates the better employee of each pair
with a positive symbol on the chart. Finally, she totals the number of positive symbols for each
employee. Which method of performance appraisal has Kendra most likely used?
A) comparison ranking scale
B) graphic ranking scale
C) alternation ranking
D) paired comparison
E) forced distribution
Answer: D
Explanation: 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.
17) Which performance appraisal tool is being used when a supervisor places predetermined
percentages of ratees into various performance categories?
A) behaviorally anchored rating scale
B) graphic ranking scale
C) alternation ranking
D) paired comparison
E) forced distribution
Answer: E
Explanation: The forced distribution method is similar to grading on a curve. With this method,
you place predetermined percentages of ratees into several performance categories.
18) John, the supervisor of the manufacturing department at a computer firm, is in the process of
evaluating his staff's performance. He has determined that 15% of the group will be identified as
high performers, 20% as above average performers, 30% as average performers, 20% as below
average performers, and 15% as poor performers. Which performance appraisal tool has John
chosen to use?
A) behaviorally anchored rating scale
B) management by objectives
C) forced distribution
D) alternation ranking
E) paired comparison
Answer: C
Explanation: The forced distribution method is similar to grading on a curve. With this method,
you place predetermined percentages of ratees into several performance categories.
19) Which of the following measurement methods is similar to grading on a curve?
A) critical incident method
B) forced distribution
C) graphic rating scale
D) constant sums rating
E) behaviorally anchored rating scale
Answer: B
Explanation: The forced distribution method is similar to grading on a curve. With this method,
you place predetermined percentages of ratees into several performance categories.
20) Which of the following is one of the primary complaints regarding the use of the forced
distribution method for performance appraisals?
A) difficult to implement
B) harm to employee morale
C) high costs of administration
D) standardization of group sizes
E) time consuming to administer
Answer: B
Explanation: The biggest complaints regarding the forced distribution method are that it damages
morale, and it creates interdepartmental inequities. The tool is not difficult to implement, time
consuming, or costly. Group sizes are determined by the firm.
21) Which performance appraisal tools requires a supervisor to maintain a log of positive and
negative examples of a subordinate's work-related behavior?
A) alternation ranking
B) paired comparison
C) forced distribution
D) critical incident
E) graphic rating
Answer: D
Explanation: With the critical incident method, the supervisor keeps a log of positive and
negative examples (critical incidents) of a subordinate's work-related behavior. Every 6 months
or so, supervisor and subordinate meet to discuss the latter's performance, using the
incidents as examples.
22) Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the critical incident method for
performance appraisal?
A) providing examples of excellent work performance
B) comparing and ranking employees within a group
C) connecting specific incidents with performance goals
D) reflecting performance throughout the appraisal period
E) compiling examples of ineffective work performance
Answer: B
Explanation: Compiling incidents provides examples of good and poor performance, makes the
supervisor think about the subordinate's appraisal all during the year, and provides examples of
what specifically the subordinate can do to eliminate deficiencies. The downside is that without
some numerical rating, this method is not too useful for
comparing employees or for salary decisions.
23) Wilson Consulting is a management consulting firm with seventy employees. As associate
vice president of marketing, Suzanne Boyle is responsible for conducting performance appraisals
of the twelve employees under her direct supervision. Suzanne plans to use the critical incident
method to evaluate the performance of her subordinates.
Which of the following, if true, undermines the argument that the critical incident method is the
most appropriate performance appraisal tool for Suzanne to use?
A) Employee performance standards are closely aligned with Wilson Consulting's long-term
strategic plans.
B) Other departments at Wilson Consulting have seen employee performance improve as a result
of providing ongoing evaluations.
C) Suzanne will be conducting performance appraisals in conjunction with the HR manager to
ensure EEO compliance.
D) Logrolling has been an issue in the past for performance appraisals, so Wilson Consulting will
be allowing employees to rate themselves.
E) Due to economic difficulties, the firm will be laying off the two lowest performing employees
in Suzanne's department.
Answer: E
Explanation: A firm that will be laying off the two lowest performing employees needs
employees to be ranked from best to worst, and the critical incident method makes ranking
difficult. The critical incident method requires supervisors to provide ongoing evaluations, so
Choice B supports the use of the method rather than undermines.
24) Which appraisal method combines the benefits of narrative critical incidents and quantified
scales by assigning scale points with specific examples of good or poor performance?
A) behaviorally anchored rating scale
B) constant sums rating scale
C) graphic rating scale
D) alternation ranking
E) forced distribution
Answer: A
Explanation: 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.
25) Which of the following best describes a behaviorally anchored rating scale?
A) chart of paired subordinates ranked in order of performance
B) combination of narrative critical incidents and quantified performance scales
C) diary of positive and negative examples of a subordinate's work performance
D) predetermined percentages of subordinates in various performance categories
E) list of subordinates from highest to lowest based on specific performance traits
Answer: B
Explanation: 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.
26) The first step in developing a behaviorally anchored rating scale is to ________.
A) develop performance dimensions
B) generate critical incidents
C) compare subordinates
D) reallocate incidents
E) scale incidents
Answer: B
Explanation: 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.
27) Stacey is using a behaviorally anchored rating scale as a performance appraisal tool. She has
already asked employees and supervisors to describe critical incidents of effective and
ineffective job performance. What should Stacey do next?
A) create a final appraisal instrument
B) develop performance dimensions
C) rank employees from high to low
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.
34) Nick supervises a team of data entry specialists. Lately, productivity has been down, and
Nick believes his subordinates are not working as efficiently as possible. Which of the following
tools would provide Nick with daily information about each employee's rate, accuracy, and time
spent entering data?
A) digital dashboard device
B) electronic performance monitoring system
C) Web-based management oversight device
D) electronic performance support system
E) computerized performance appraisal system
Answer: B
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.
35) Graphic rating scales are subject to all of the following problems EXCEPT ________.
A) unclear standards
B) halo effects
C) complexity
D) leniency
E) bias
Answer: C
Explanation: The graphic rating scale is the simplest and most popular method for appraising
performance. However, graphic-type rating scales in particular are susceptible to several
problems including unclear standards, halo effect, central tendency, leniency or strictness, and
bias.
36) Which of the following terms refers to an appraisal that is too open to interpretation?
A) unclear standards
B) halo effects
C) leniency
D) strictness
E) biased
Answer: A
Explanation: 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.
37) Which of the following is the best way for a supervisor to correct a performance appraisal
problem caused by unclear standards?
A) focusing on performance instead of personality traits
B) using graphic rating scales to rank employees
C) avoiding the use of extremely low ratings
41) The best way to reduce the problem of central tendency in performance appraisals is to
________.
A) rank employees
B) establish SMART goals
C) use graphic rating scales
D) limit the number of appraisals
E) appraise personal characteristics
Answer: A
Explanation: 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.
42) Which performance appraisal problem is associated with supervisors giving all of their
subordinates consistently high ratings?
A) central tendency
B) leniency
C) strictness
D) recency effect
E) halo effect
Answer: B
Explanation: 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. Central
tendency refers to giving average scores.
43) The ________ problem occurs when supervisors tend to rate all their subordinates
consistently low.
A) central tendency
B) leniency
C) strictness
D) unclear standards
E) halo effect
Answer: C
Explanation: 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. Central
tendency refers to giving average scores.
44) The best method for reducing the problems of leniency or strictness in performance
appraisals is to ________.
A) keep critical incident logs
B) adhere to EEO guidelines
C) require multiple appraisals
D) impose a performance distribution
E) reconsider the timing of the appraisal
Answer: D
52) Who is in the best position to observe and evaluate an employee's performance for the
purposes of a performance appraisal?
A) peers
B) customers
C) rating committees
D) top management
E) immediate supervisor
Answer: E
Explanation: 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.
53) Employee performance appraisals are conducted by all of the following EXCEPT ________.
A) peers
B) competitors
C) supervisors
D) subordinates
E) rating committees
Answer: B
Explanation: 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.
54) Which of the following terms refers to several peers agreeing to rate each other highly?
A) social loafing
B) group think
C) logrolling
D) alliance forging
E) impression management
Answer: C
Explanation: Peer appraisals have been shown to improve social loafing, group viability,
cohesion, and satisfaction. However, logrollingwhen several peers collude to rate each other
highlycan be a problem with peer appraisals.
55) Peer appraisals have been shown to result in a(n) ________.
A) reduction of social loafing
B) reduction of group cohesion
C) decrease in task motivation
D) decrease in group satisfaction
E) decrease in logrolling
Answer: A
Explanation: Peer appraisals have been shown to improve social loafing, group viability,
cohesion, task motivation, and satisfaction. However, logrollingwhen several peers collude to
rate each other highlycan be a problem with peer appraisals.
56) In most firms, a rating committee used for performance appraisals consists of ________
members.
A) 1-2
B) 3-4
C) 5-6
D) 7-8
E) 9-10
Answer: B
Explanation: Many employers use rating committees. These committees usually contain the
employee's immediate supervisor and two or three other supervisors.
57) What usually occurs when employees rate themselves for performance appraisals?
A) Ratings are reliable but invalid.
B) Ratings are subject to halo effects.
C) Logrolling leads to unrealistic ratings.
D) Ratings are higher than when provided by supervisors.
E) Ratings are about the same as when determined by peers.
Answer: D
Explanation: Employees usually rate themselves higher than they are rated by supervisors or
peers. Logrolling is a problem with peer appraisals. Self-ratings are neither reliable nor valid in
most cases.
58) Which of the following terms refers to the process of allowing subordinates to rate their
supervisor's performance anonymously?
A) supplemental evaluation
B) downward feedback
C) upward feedback
D) paired evaluation
E) peer evaluation
Answer: C
Explanation: 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.
59) Upward feedback primarily helps top-level managers to ________.
A) protect the firm against biased appraisals
B) implement organizational strategies
C) compare appraisal techniques
D) diagnose management styles
E) document critical incidents
Answer: D
Explanation: Upward feedback lets subordinates anonymously rate their supervisor's
performance. The process helps top managers diagnose management styles, identify potential
"people" problems, and take corrective action with individual managers as required.
60) Which of the following terms refers to a performance appraisal based on surveys from peers,
supervisors, subordinates, and customers?
A) 360-degree feedback
B) team appraisals
C) upward feedback
D) rating committee
E) self-ratings
Answer: A
Explanation: 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.
61) Which of the following best describes the purpose of an appraisal interview?
A) training supervisors in the rating process
B) identifying potential interpersonal problems
C) providing constructive feedback to supervisors
D) making plans to correct employee weaknesses
E) discussing and scheduling training programs
Answer: D
Explanation: 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.
62) You are conducting an appraisal interview with an employee whose performance is
satisfactory but for whom promotion is not possible. Which incentive listed below would most
likely be the LEAST effective option for maintaining satisfactory performance in this situation?
A) time off
B) small bonus
C) compliments
D) schedule flexibility
E) professional development
Answer: E
Explanation: 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, praise, and schedule flexibility. Professional development would most
likely be motivating for an employee who cannot be promoted.
63) When conducting an appraisal interview, supervisors should do all of the following EXCEPT
________.
A) ask open-ended questions
B) talk in terms of objective work data
C) give specific examples of poor performance
session as part of the appraisal process. A second survey found that of 100 large organizations,
60% do not link appraisals to pay raises, and 68% say they don't even link the appraisals to
determining other rewards, such as bonuses.
67) The continuous process of identifying, measuring, and developing the performance of
individuals and teams and aligning their performance with the organization's goals is known as
________.
A) employee performance monitoring
B) strategic management
C) performance analysis
D) performance appraisal
E) performance management
Answer: E
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.
68) Which component of performance management refers to communicating a firm's higher-level
goals throughout the organization and then translating them into departmental and individual
goals?
A) role clarification
B) goal alignment
C) performance monitoring
D) direction sharing
E) developmental support
Answer: D
Explanation: 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. Coaching and developmental support, goal
alignment, and performance monitoring are other elements of performance management.
69) Oshman manufactures small kitchen appliances, such as blenders, toasters, and mixers. The
firm has nearly 80,000 employees in 22 countries. Employees receive annual performance
appraisals from their supervisors that combine critical incidents with a graphic rating scale.
However, the firm's CEO advocates shifting from performance appraisals to performance
management in an attempt to make Oshman more competitive and performance driven.
Which of the following, if true, supports the argument to replace Oshman's traditional appraisal
methods with the performance management approach?
A) Oshman's competitors in the small appliance industry monitor the performance of their
employees through electronic performance monitoring systems.
B) Oshman executives want to align the firm's strategic plan with individual employee goals and
development needs.
C) Oshman executives believe that upward feedback helps managers improve their own
management style and interpersonal skills.
D) Oshman has experienced problems associated with central tendency and bias, and the firm
wants to ensure that appraisals are legally sound.
73) Job descriptions serve as the primary tool for developing performance standards because
they already include specific job goals.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Job descriptions are rarely the best tool for developing performance standards.
Employers usually write job descriptions not for specific jobs, but for groups of jobs, and the
descriptions rarely include specific goals.
74) In order to ensure that performance goals are challenging and relevant, Matthew, a marketing
manager, should independently set goals for his subordinates because participatively set goals
usually produce lower job performance.
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.
75) Formal performance appraisals have been eliminated by almost all major firms and replaced
by daily assessments by peers in addition to extensive training opportunities.
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.
76) The HR department monitors the performance appraisal system, but it is typically not
involved in rating employees.
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.
77) In order to ensure that performance appraisals are effective, Felicia, a line supervisor, should
make sure to schedule a feedback session to address each subordinate's performance, progress,
and future development plans.
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.
78) The forced distribution method is the simplest and most popular technique for appraising
performance.
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.
79) When actual job duties are appraised, the idea is to focus on the extent to which the
employee exhibits the competencies that the employer values and that are essential for the job.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: When the job's actual duties are appraised, a supervisor assesses how well the
employee did in exercising each of duty. Competency-based appraisals focus on the extent to
which the employee exhibits the competencies essential for the job.
80) Supervisors at Sun Microsystems use the forced distribution method to evaluate
performance, so they must ensure that the proportions in each category are symmetrical.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Proportions in each category do not need to be symmetrical with the forced
distribution method of performance evaluation.
81) The basic problem with using a ranking method for performance appraisals is not identifying
the extreme good and bad performers but differentiating meaningfully between the others.
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.
82) Top employees often outperform the average or poor employees by as much as 100%.
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%.
83) Paired comparison is a rating approach that involves keeping a record of uncommonly good
or undesirable examples of an employee's work-related behavior and reviewing it with the
employee at predetermined times.
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. With
the critical incident method, the supervisor keeps a log of positive and negative examples
(critical incidents) of a subordinate's work-related behavior. Every 6 months or so, supervisor
and subordinate meet to discuss the latter's performance, using the incidents as examples.
84) The advantages of using BARS as a performance appraisal tool is the method's accuracy,
clear standards, and consistency.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: The advantages of the BARS-based evaluations include the consistency of ratings,
clear standards, and its high rate of accuracy.
85) Management by objectives cannot be used as a primary performance appraisal tool, but it is
useful as a supplement to the graphic rating method.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Employers use management by objectives (MBO) for one of two things. Many use
it as the primary appraisal method. Others use it to supplement a graphic rating or other appraisal
method.
86) Sam supervises a team of data entry clerks at Geico. The firm's electronic performance
monitoring system enables Sam to electronically monitor the amount of computerized data an
employee processes each day.
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.
87) Unclear standards on a performance appraisal tool will most likely lead to unfair appraisals
because performance traits are too open for interpretation.
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.
88) Central tendency is a problem that occurs when a supervisor's rating of a subordinate on one
trait biases the rating of that person on other traits.
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.
89) The alternation ranking method of performance appraisals can be problematic and unfair if
all employees have excellent job performance.
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.
90) In order to ensure that a performance appraisal is legally defensible, a supervisor should use
only one performance appraisal tool.
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.
91) Peer appraisals have been shown to have a positive effect on task motivation, cohesion, and
job satisfaction and to reduce logrolling.
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. However, logrollingwhen several peers collude to rate
each other highlycan be a problem with peer appraisals.
92) Studies suggest that managers who receive upward feedback from identified subordinates
view the upward appraisal process more negatively than do managers who receive anonymous
upward feedback.
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.
93) 360-degree feedback is generally used for development purposes rather than for pay
increases.
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.
94) During an exit interview, a supervisor and a subordinate review the appraisal and make plans
to correct deficiencies and reinforce strengths.
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.
95) The goal for a supervisor conducting a satisfactory-not promotable appraisal interview is to
maintain satisfactory performance by finding incentives that are important to the person.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Satisfactorynot 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.
96) Tyler, an accounting manager at Firestone, is preparing for an appraisal interview with an
employee whose performance is unsatisfactory but correctable. Tyler's primary objective during
the interview should be to encourage the employee with positive reinforcements like job
enlargement and compliments.
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.
97) While formal written warnings are provided too late to salvage an employee's performance
and position at the company, they are useful in court proceedings.
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.
98) Performance appraisals are a link between corporate strategy, departmental goals, employee
goals and employee performance in the overall performance management process.
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.
99) Ongoing performance monitoring is an element of performance management that involves
the use of computer-based systems that measure an employee's progress and send out reports
regarding an employee's performance.
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.
100) Although performance management can benefit a firm in its strategic planning, the method
is considered ineffective for firms that want to implement total quality management.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Employers are moving to performance management for three main reasonstotal
quality, appraisal issues, and strategic planning. Performance management supports the total
quality management philosophy as well as aids in strategic planning.
101) As a manager, how can you set effective performance appraisal standards for your
employees? Explain your answer in a brief essay.
Answer: Managers can set effective goals by following certain guidelines.
Set SMART goals. These are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely.
Assign specific goals. Employees who have specific goals usually perform better than those
who do not.
Assign measurable goals. Always try to express the goal in terms of numbers, and include target
dates or deadlines.
Assign challenging but doable goals. Make them challenging, but not so difficult that they
appear impossible or unrealistic.
Encourage participation. Participatively set goals usually produce higher performance.
102) Why is it important for a manager to appraise a subordinate's performance? How can a
manager handle a subordinate who is defensive when told that his or her performance is poor?
Answer: There are four reasons for conducting performance appraisals. First, appraisals play an
integral role in the performance management process. Second, it lets the manager and
subordinate develop a plan for correcting any deficiencies that might exist and to reinforce and
support things that are done well. Third, appraisals can serve a useful career planning purpose by
providing the opportunity to review the employee's career plans in light of his or her strengths
and weaknesses. Finally, the appraisal usually plays a part in salary and promotion decisions.
When a supervisor tells someone his or her performance is poor, the first reaction is often denial.
Denial is a defense mechanism. Understanding and dealing with defensiveness is an important
appraisal skill. A supervisor should recognize that defensive behavior is normal and never attack
a person's defenses. A supervisor should postpone action because given sufficient time, a more
rational reaction may take over. A supervisor should not try to be a psychologist. Offering
understanding is one thing; trying to deal with psychological problems is another.
103) In a brief essay, describe the three steps in the performance appraisal process.
Answer: The performance appraisal process itself contains three steps: 1) define the job, 2)
appraise performance, and 3) provide feedback. Defining the job means making sure that the
manager and employee agree on his or her duties and job standards. Appraising performance
means comparing the employee's actual performance to the standards that have been set. Finally,
the performance appraisal process requires one or more feedback sessions. In these sessions, the
manager and employee discuss the employee's performance and progress and make plans for any
development required.
104) What are the four job-relevant dimensions that can be measured by the graphic-rating scale
method of performance appraisal? What problems are associated with graphic-rating scales?
Answer: The employer may measure generic dimensions of performance such as quantity or
quality of work. The performance appraisal may focus on the job's actual duties and assess how
well the employee did in exercising his or her specific job duties. Competency-based appraisals
focus on the extent to which the employee exhibits the competencies that the employer values.
The employer could also appraise the employee based on the extent to which he or she is
achieving his or her objectives. Graphic-type rating scales in particular are susceptible to several
problems: unclear standards, halo effect, central tendency, leniency or strictness, and bias.
105) In a brief essay, describe the forced distribution method. What are the advantages and
disadvantages of the forced distribution method?
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.
106) What is a behaviorally anchored rating scale (BARS)? How would a manager develop a
BARS?
Answer: A behaviorally anchored rating scale is a rating scale that is anchored with specific
behavioral examples of good or poor performance. Because of the anchors, which are based on
the dimensions of performance illustrated by critical incidents, a BARS combines the benefits of
narratives, critical incident, and quantified scales. There are five steps required for developing a
BARS. Each step is explained below.
Step 1: Generate critical incidents. In this step, people who know the job are asked to
describe specific illustrations of effective and ineffective performance.
Step 2: Develop performance dimensions. The people who know the job are then asked to
cluster the incidents into a smaller set of performance dimensions and to define each dimension
with a name.
Step 3: Reallocate incidents. Another group of people, who also know the job, should
reallocate the original critical incidents. They will receive the cluster definitions and the list of
critical incidents. They will then reassign each incident into the cluster they think it fits best. If
the assignments made by the first group and second group match well, then that critical incident
is retained.
Step 4: Scale the incidents. The second group then rates the behavior described by the
incident as to how effectively or ineffectively it represents performance on the dimension.
Step 5: Develop a final instrument. Six or seven of the incidents as the dimension's
behavioral anchors.
107) Describe the four basic types of appraisal interviews.
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.
108) What are the guidelines that supervisors should follow to hold effective appraisals and
minimize problems like bias and halo effects? How can rating committees improve the fairness
of the appraisal process?
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.
109) In a brief essay, discuss how a supervisor can develop and conduct a performance appraisal
that is legally defensible.
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. Use subjective supervisory ratings
for no more than one part of the overall appraisal process. Allow appraisers substantial daily
contact with the employees they are evaluating. Base appraisals on separate ratings for each job
performance dimension. Have more than one appraiser conduct the appraisal. Give employees
the opportunity to review the appraisal, make comments, and appeal the decision. Document all
information and reasons bearing on any personnel decision. Provide corrective guidance to assist
poor performers in improving performance.
110) In a brief essay, discuss the components necessary for an effective performance
management process.
Answer: The basic building blocks of performance management include the following:
Direction sharing means communicating the organization's higher level goals throughout the
organization and translating these into doable departmental goals.
Goal alignment means having a process in place that allows any manager to see the link
between an employee's goals and those of the department and organization.
Ongoing performance monitoring means using computer-based systems to measure and
report on employee progress toward meeting performance goals.
Ongoing feedback includes face-to-face and computer-based feedback regarding progress
toward goals.
Coaching and developmental support should be an integral part of the feedback process.
Rewards, recognition, and compensation provide the consequences necessary to keep
employee performance on target.