Which method of performance appraisal uses selected factors such as leadership and initiative for comparison?

The factor comparison method is a performance appraisal technique that evaluates employees by comparing them against selected factors that are deemed important for the job, such as leadership and initiative. This method breaks down the various components of job performance into discrete factors, allowing for direct comparison of an employee’s performance in those specific areas against others.

By focusing on these selected factors, this method aims to quantify subjective attributes, facilitating a more structured and objective analysis of employee performance. Appraisers assign financial values to each factor, which helps to highlight where an employee excels or needs improvement. This structured comparison can effectively differentiate employees based on their performance across crucial job functions.

In contrast, other appraisal methods like the graphic rating scale rely more on a numerical scale to rate various traits without breaking down how those traits contribute to performance, which is less precise. Similarly, behaviorally anchored rating scales focus on specific behaviors tied to performance outcomes, while management by objectives emphasizes achieving specific, agreed-upon goals rather than evaluating fundamental traits. Each of these methods has its unique approach, but the factor comparison method stands out for its detailed comparison of selected performance factors.