Final answer:
The term that identifies discrepancies between desired behavior by management and actual employee behavior is Gap analysis. It helps in determining actions to align actual performance with expected outcomes. Performance appraisals contribute to this process by evaluating employee performance and identifying areas for improvement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The answer to the question regarding the identification of discrepancies between management's perceptions and actual employee behavior is d. Gap analysis. Gap analysis aims to identify where an organization's performance is falling short of where it wants or needs to be, which may include discrepancies in employee behavior. It involves assessing the current state of affairs, defining the ideal state or objectives, and then determining the steps necessary to bridge that gap. Performance appraisals can be a part of this process, as they provide documented feedback on an employee's performance compared to expected behaviors or targets.
Performance appraisals are indeed crucial for organizational effectiveness because they help in documenting performance and can lead to important decisions like employee training and termination. Performance appraisals tend to be more complex than merely assessing performance; they involve motivating employees, setting goals, reinforcing positive behavior, and identifying training needs. These appraisals can support the gap analysis process by highlighting areas where individual employees may need to improve to meet the organization's standards and objectives.