Which practice describes being unduly critical of an employee’s work performance?

• A. Strictness
• B. Leniency
• C. Central Tendency
• D. Halo Effect

Answer: (A)

Unduly critical evaluation reflects strictness bias—the tendency to apply harsher standards and rate performance lower than warranted. In performance management, this bias distorts ratings by focusing on flaws and undervaluing strengths, rather than accurately reflecting what was done. This differs from leniency, which would yield overly favorable ratings; central tendency, which pulls scores toward the middle; and the halo effect, where a single impression colors judgments across multiple areas. For example, an employee who consistently meets expectations might receive a poor rating if the evaluator is excessively harsh, overlooking solid, reliable work. Hence, strictness best describes being unduly critical.