Business / Human Resources (HR) Glossary

360-Degree Feedback: An appraisal process whereby an individual is rated on his or her performance by people who know something about the individual’s work. This can include direct reports, peers, managers, cust . . . View Full Definition

Ability: Aptitude or competence, the skill or proficiency needed to perform certain tasks.

Ability Test: An assessment instrument used to measure an individual’s abilities, mental or physical skills level (i.e. problem solving, manual dexterity, etc.).

Absenteeism: Referred to as the habitual failure of employees to report for work when they are scheduled to work.

Absolute Ratings: A rating method where the rater assigns a specific value on a fixed scale to the behavior or performance of an individual instead of assigning ratings based on comparisons between other individuals.

Abstract Reasoning: The process of perceiving issues and reaching conclusions through the use of symbols or generalizations rather than concrete factual information.

Academic: An educator who is a faculty member at a college or university. Also referred to as Academician.

Accessibility: The extent to which a contractor's or employer's facility is readily approachable and does not inhibit the mobility of individuals with disabilities, particularly such areas as the personnel . . . View Full Definition

Accessible Format: Materials that are designed in alternate formats such as Braille, audiotape, oral presentation or electronically for individuals with visual impairments.

Accountability: The responsibility placed on an individual or group for their own or others’ actions, conduct, performance, projects, etc.

Accreditation: A process of external quality review and certification by a recognized body that evaluates individuals, colleges, universities and educational programs to assure they are performing the func . . . View Full Definition

Achievement Test: A standardized testing instrument used to measure how much an individual has learned or what skills he or she has attained as a result of education, training or past experience.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS): Caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which kills or damages cells of the body's immune system by progressively destroying the body's ability to fight infections and certain cance . . . View Full Definition

Acquisition: The process of acquiring control of another corporation by purchase or stock exchange.

Action Learning: A learner-driven, continuous learning process where learning revolves around the need to find solutions to real problems.

Active Learning: The process of learning new knowledge, skills and behaviors through taking specific actions or performing specific tasks.

Active Listening: A manner of listening that focuses exclusively on what the other person is saying and validates understanding of both the content of the message and the emotions underlying the message to en . . . View Full Definition

Activities Of Daily Living (ADL): The personal care activities which are essential to an individual’s everyday living, including eating, bathing, grooming, dressing, mobility and toileting.

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