What is a potential disadvantage of informal observation?

Informal observation can indeed be a valuable tool in gathering insights about workplace behavior and processes, but one potential disadvantage is that it can distress employees. When individuals know they are being observed, even informally, it can lead to feelings of discomfort or anxiety. This feeling may alter their natural behavior, as they might become self-conscious or try to modify their responses to align with what they believe the observer expects to see. This can compromise the authenticity of the data collected, as it does not reflect true behavior in a normal setting, potentially leading to inaccurate conclusions.

The other options, while they highlight certain aspects of informal observation, do not present the inherent drawbacks as effectively. Prior preparation may not be as critical in informal observations, which are typically spontaneous. Full task visibility is certainly a benefit, as informal observation aims to capture a comprehensive understanding of tasks being performed. Similarly, the time efficiency of informal observation is generally considered an advantage because it does not require extensive planning or setup. However, these benefits do not overshadow the potential emotional impact on employees being observed.