Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

Which barrier to effective appraisal refers to viewing appraisal as a confrontation?

1. Appraisal as unfinished business

2. Appraisal as a chat

3. Appraisal as a judgment

4. Appraisal as a confrontation

The correct answer is: Appraisal as a confrontation

The barrier to effective appraisal that relates to viewing the process as a confrontation is indeed linked to the perception of appraisals as an adversarial encounter rather than a constructive dialogue. When individuals see appraisal as a confrontation, they approach it with defensiveness and anxiety, which can stifle open communication. This perception can create a negative atmosphere, making it difficult for both the appraiser and the appraisee to engage in a meaningful and productive discussion about performance and development. In contrast, viewing appraisals as a chat or as unfinished business tends to foster a more informal and ongoing dialogue, while perceiving them purely as judgments can lead to a focus on evaluation over growth and development. Recognizing appraisal as a confrontation undermines the potential benefits of feedback and leaves little room for collaborative improvement, thereby becoming a significant obstacle to effective performance discussions.