What distinguishes the critical incident appraisal method from other methods?

The critical incident appraisal method is distinguished by its focus on discussing specific examples of behaviors that directly relate to an employee's performance. This method emphasizes identifying and documenting notable incidents—both positive and negative—that illustrate how an employee has performed in specific situations. By concentrating on concrete examples, this approach provides clearer insights into an employee's strengths and weaknesses, which can guide development and improvement.

The emphasis on specific behaviors allows for more constructive feedback, as it helps to illustrate performance in realistic contexts rather than relying on subjective ratings or general impressions. This method contrasts with traditional performance evaluations that may depend more heavily on numerical scoring or broad categories, which can lack the detail and context that specific incidents provide.