What issue arises when an appraisal is too open to interpretation?

When an appraisal is too open to interpretation, it often leads to unclear feedback. This occurs because when performance ratings or criteria are vaguely defined, employees may not receive specific guidance on what is expected of them or how they can improve. In these situations, performance evaluations can become subjective, resulting in feedback that lacks clarity and fails to provide actionable insights.

Clear and specific feedback is essential for employees to understand their strengths and areas for improvement, as well as for aligning their performance with organizational goals. When appraisals do not clearly communicate expectations, employees may become confused about their performance level, which can hinder motivation and development.

The other aspects do not align with the issue at hand because encouraging strict ratings typically relates to an overly rigid framework that may limit flexibility. Discriminatory practices arise from biases rather than interpretative vagueness, and ensuring consistency across appraisals typically requires clear and defined standards instead of an open interpretation. Thus, ambiguity in appraisal processes undermines the effectiveness of performance management and feedback.