In performance appraisal, which statement is true about forced distribution?

In performance appraisal, which statement is true about forced distribution?

• A. It results in uniform distribution of all performance ratings
• B. It is the same as graphic rating scale
• C. It eliminates ranking and uses absolute criteria
• D. It requires ranking employees to fit a predetermined distribution

Answer: (D)

Forced distribution is a rating method that imposes a fixed pattern for how many employees can receive each level of performance. Managers must rank employees against one another and then assign ratings so the overall results fit a predetermined distribution (for example, a set percentage in the top tier, a set in the middle, and a set in the bottom). This reliance on ranking and fitting to a curve is what defines the approach. Because of that structure, it isn’t about everyone getting the same or about absolute standards. It isn’t the graphic rating scale, which rates individuals against fixed criteria on a scale without forcing a curve. And it doesn’t avoid ranking; it actually depends on ranking employees to push them into the pre-set proportions. That’s why the statement about requiring ranking to fit a predetermined distribution is the correct characterization.

Forced distribution is a rating method that imposes a fixed pattern for how many employees can receive each level of performance. Managers must rank employees against one another and then assign ratings so the overall results fit a predetermined distribution (for example, a set percentage in the top tier, a set in the middle, and a set in the bottom). This reliance on ranking and fitting to a curve is what defines the approach.

Because of that structure, it isn’t about everyone getting the same or about absolute standards. It isn’t the graphic rating scale, which rates individuals against fixed criteria on a scale without forcing a curve. And it doesn’t avoid ranking; it actually depends on ranking employees to push them into the pre-set proportions. That’s why the statement about requiring ranking to fit a predetermined distribution is the correct characterization.