Which of the following is NOT one of the five characteristics that define the most common performance evaluation errors?

• A. Strictness
• B. Leniency
• C. Central tendency
• D. Timeliness

Answer: (D)

In performance evaluations, the common rating biases that distort results are leniency (rating too high), strictness (rating too low), central tendency (clustering scores around the middle), and other biases like halo effects or recency. Timeliness is about when the evaluation is conducted and completed, not a bias in how scores are assigned. So it’s not one of the five biases typically cited. Recognizing these biases helps ensure ratings reflect true performance rather than subjective judgment tied to timing or bias.