What is necessary to compare actual performance against standards?

To compare actual performance against standards effectively, measurement and evaluation are essential components. Measurement involves quantifying work performance to gather relevant data, which can include metrics such as productivity rates, quality levels, or efficiency statistics. Evaluation, on the other hand, requires analyzing this data against established benchmarks or standards that define what successful performance looks like.

These processes enable organizations to not only track performance but also identify areas for improvement, provide constructive feedback, and make informed decisions about training or development needs. When both measurement and evaluation are in place, they create a systematic approach to performance management that leads to continuous improvement.

Other options, while potentially part of the broader conversation about performance assessment, do not constitute comprehensive strategies for comparing actual performance to standards. Employee feedback may provide insights but lacks the objectivity and rigor of structured measurement. Intuition and guessing are unreliable methods that often lead to inaccurate conclusions. Peer assessments can enhance understanding of performance but do not replace the need for systematic measurement and evaluation against defined standards.