mediamatrix (X) Oct 4, 2009:

@LJW 'poor' usually fits in a scale such as 'poor - average - good - excellent', with qualifiers such as 'very' where appropriate. Such a scale is very general and has no defined datum.

'sufficient/insufficient' is a 'go/no-go' criterion involving a datum, and this datum can fit anywhere alongside the 'poor --- excellent' scale, depending on circumstances.

For example, a worker whose general performance is rated 'poor' MIGHT noneless be rated as 'sufficient' in certain tasks that do not make high demands.

As an example, MT is generally considered to be a 'poor' way of delivering translations; but in some circumstances such as 'getting the gist of an informal letter', it might be entirely satisfactory.

The nuace is often important in the employer/employee relationship - both legally and in HR terms - because in many countries it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that employees work within their 'comfort zone' and are thus able to display their ability to provide 'satisfactory' service - even if the employer has to put them in a menial job in order to make that possible.

L.J.Wessel van Leeuwen Oct 4, 2009:

Hi Tony, my comment... Poor <vs> Insufficient ? In comparing both terms I feel that poor has no adjective to it: very poor? sufficiently poor? adequatly poor? Insufficient begs for a definition. What has been agreed upon as being a "sufficient" job performance.? Sufficient or insufficient also begs for quantification. If the performance can be quantified, i.e. measured than fine. If not, then the work performed is either acceptable, poor or outstanding.

Adam Warren (asker) Oct 4, 2009:

work v. performance We are dealing here with legal requirements to be fulfilled for dismissing an employee. This is therefore a term to be found in a statute or in case-law. Hence, I think the term should be as general as possible ("work") so as to cover all types of work. We are not actually in the realms of HR-specific language.

I should like to take this opportunity of thanking all you contributors for the commendable speed of your response - I needed the help pretty quickly, as it happened.