Which of the following is a disadvantage of setting standards?

Setting standards is a fundamental practice in management and accounting aimed at enhancing operations and maintaining efficiency. However, one of the noteworthy disadvantages is the time and effort required to calculate these standards accurately.

Establishing standards involves a thorough analysis of historical data, operational processes, and current performance metrics. This can be resource-intensive, as it often requires detailed research, data collection, and analysis. Organizations must invest time in evaluating productivity levels, resource usage, and costs to set realistic and achievable standards. If this process is not carefully managed, it can lead to an inefficient allocation of time and resources, diverting attention from other critical operations or strategic initiatives.

In contrast, the other choices highlight benefits of standard setting. For instance, increased productivity and simplified financial reporting processes are direct results of effectively implemented standards. Additionally, while setting standards can be motivating, they do not necessarily motivate all employees equally since individual motivations may vary based on personal goals, job roles, and other factors.