Which element establishes the level of performance that is expected from an employee?

• A. Job-Related Criteria
• B. Continuous Open Communication
• C. Performance Expectations
• D. Conduct Performance Reviews

Answer: (C)

Setting performance expectations establishes the level of performance expected. When clear expectations are set, job duties are translated into concrete targets—quality and quantity standards, deadlines, and even expected behaviors—that define what success looks like. This creates a common benchmark so employees know exactly what to strive for and how their work will be evaluated. Without explicit expectations, assessments can become subjective or misaligned with organizational goals.

The other elements still matter: job-related criteria are the specific standards used to measure performance, but they come after the expectations are defined; continuous open communication supports ongoing alignment and feedback; and conducting performance reviews is the formal evaluation event that reviews how well those expectations were met.