General Questions
Questions and answers
A non-critical element is a dimension or aspect of
individual, team or organizational performance, exclusive of a critical
element, used in assigning a summary level. It may include, but is not
limited to, objectives, goals, program plans, work plans, and other
means of expressing expected performance. Its use is optional but, if
used, it must be expressed as an element and standard, be included in
the employee's performance plan, and be used in assigning a summary
level for the rating of record. However, a non-critical element cannot
be used as a basis for taking a performance-based action. Other features
of non-critical elements:
- they cannot be used in two-level appraisal programs (i.e., pass/fail)
- they can be given more weight than critical elements when assigning a summary level above "Unacceptable" (Level 1)
- they must have a performance standard written for at least one level, the written standard need not describe the "Fully Successful" or equivalent level