Which of the following can be an effect of unclear performance appraisal standards?

Unclear performance appraisal standards can lead to increased confusion and inconsistency in scoring. When standards are not well-defined, employees may be uncertain about what is expected of them, resulting in varying interpretations of performance criteria. This ambiguity can create disparities in how performance is assessed, as different evaluators might prioritize different aspects of behavior or outcomes, leading to a lack of reliability in the appraisal process.

Furthermore, unclear standards can contribute to employee frustration, as individuals may feel they are being evaluated based on subjective criteria rather than objective measures. This confusion can undermine trust in the appraisal system, making it difficult to pinpoint areas of strength and needed improvement accurately.

As a result, organizations may struggle with aligning individual performance with organizational goals, potentially decreasing overall productivity and effectiveness. Clear, consistent appraisal standards are crucial for meaningful performance evaluations that can support employee development and organizational success.