Which appraisal method focuses on discussing specific incidents of performance?

The critical incident appraisal method is designed specifically to evaluate an employee's performance by discussing specific instances where the employee's actions had a significant impact on outcomes, either positively or negatively. This method encourages managers to record incidents that showcase the employee's behavior in real work situations; these incidents serve as concrete examples during performance discussions.

By concentrating on specific occurrences rather than general performance over a period, this appraisal method provides valuable insights that can be more actionable and relevant. Managers can use these critical incidents to highlight areas of strength or pinpoint areas needing improvement, fostering a constructive dialogue about performance.

Other appraisal methods, like the essay appraisal, typically involve narratives but lack the specificity tied to particular incidents. Forced-choice rating involves comparing employees against each other in a standardized way without detailing individual behaviors, and behavioral observation scales assess various behaviors based on a set criterion rather than anecdotes. Thus, the critical incident appraisal is uniquely positioned to focus on individual events that have clear implications for performance assessment.