Supervision in the Hospitality Industry- AHLEI Practice Test

What type of error might the maintenance supervisor be making if all employees received similar low ratings?

1. Severity error

2. Leniency error

3. Recency error

4. Central tendency error

The correct answer is: Severity error

In this scenario, the maintenance supervisor may be committing a severity error if all employees received similar low ratings. A severity error occurs when a supervisor rates all or most employees at the lower end of the performance scale regardless of their actual performance levels. This could happen due to the supervisor's overly critical standards or an inclination to highlight deficiencies rather than recognize accomplishments. When all employees receive low ratings, it suggests that the supervisor might not be differentiating between varying levels of performance among team members. This can negatively impact employee morale and motivation, leading to a general perception that their contributions are undervalued. Understanding the concept of severity error is crucial for managers and supervisors in the hospitality industry as it emphasizes the importance of fair and accurate performance assessments. This practice can foster a more engaged and motivated workforce, ultimately improving service quality and operational effectiveness.