CODESP Performance Evaluation and Appraisal 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which rating error occurs when a supervisor allows one outstanding trait to positively influence all other ratings of an employee?
- Central tendency error
- Halo effect (Correct answer)
- Leniency bias
- Recency error
Correct answer: Halo effect
The halo effect occurs when one positive characteristic causes the rater to rate all other dimensions more favorably than warranted.
Question 2: In a behaviorally anchored rating scale (BARS), performance levels are defined by:
- Numerical scores from 1 to 10
- Specific examples of observable job behaviors (Correct answer)
- Comparative rankings among peers
- Supervisor discretion and narrative comments
Correct answer: Specific examples of observable job behaviors
BARS links each rating level to specific behavioral examples, making evaluations more objective and consistent.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a performance appraisal in a public sector merit system?
- To document reasons for termination
- To provide a basis for personnel decisions and employee development (Correct answer)
- To satisfy union contract requirements
- To compare employees across different departments
Correct answer: To provide a basis for personnel decisions and employee development
In merit systems, performance appraisals serve as objective documentation supporting promotions, pay decisions, and employee growth.
Question 4: Which appraisal method requires supervisors to rank all employees from highest to lowest performer?
- Management by objectives (MBO)
- Forced distribution
- Straight ranking (Correct answer)
- Critical incident method
Correct answer: Straight ranking
Straight ranking places each employee in sequential order from best to worst, while forced distribution assigns employees to predetermined percentage categories.
Question 5: An employee who consistently receives 'meets expectations' ratings regardless of actual performance variations is experiencing which supervisor error?
- Halo effect
- Contrast error
- Central tendency (Correct answer)
- Attribution error
Correct answer: Central tendency
Central tendency error occurs when raters avoid extreme ratings and cluster all evaluations near the midpoint of the scale.
Question 6: Under the Management by Objectives (MBO) approach, performance goals should be set:
- Solely by the supervisor to ensure organizational alignment
- Collaboratively between the employee and supervisor (Correct answer)
- By a central HR committee for consistency
- Based only on prior-year performance data
Correct answer: Collaboratively between the employee and supervisor
MBO is most effective when goals are mutually agreed upon, which increases employee buy-in and clarity about expectations.
Question 7: Which type of performance appraisal gathers feedback from supervisors, peers, subordinates, and self-assessments?
- Paired comparison
- 360-degree feedback (Correct answer)
- Forced choice rating
- Narrative essay appraisal
Correct answer: 360-degree feedback
360-degree feedback collects multiple perspectives from all directions in the organizational hierarchy, providing a comprehensive view of performance.
CODESP Performance Evaluation and Appraisal 1
Which rating error occurs when a supervisor allows one outstanding trait to positively influence all other ratings of an employee?