Which method requires the rater to compose a narrative describing employee behavior?

• A. 360-Degree Feedback Evaluation Method
• B. Rating Scales Method
• C. Critical Incident Method
• D. Essay Method

Answer: (D)

The Essay Method is defined by writing a free-form narrative that describes the employee’s behavior, performance, and development. In this approach, the rater composes an extended narrative, often including observed patterns, context for actions, and specific examples, to paint a holistic picture of how the employee acts on the job. This makes it the best fit when the task is to describe behavior in a descriptive, story-like way.

Other methods use different formats that aren’t primarily narrative. Rating scales rely on numerical scores to rate various dimensions of performance. The critical incident method focuses on documenting specific memorable events that illustrate performance, typically as concise incident notes rather than a broad narrative about behavior. 360-degree feedback gathers input from multiple sources via structured instruments, with narrative comments possible but not required as a single, cohesive narrative from one rater.