Understanding Forced Distribution in Performance Management
The concept of forced distribution in performance evaluations is a pivotal yet contentious topic. This performance management strategy, rooted in statistical and psychological theories since the mid-20th century, involves categorizing employees into performance tiers based on predetermined quotas. Despite its historical significance, forced distribution faces modern scrutiny for its impact on employee morale, fairness, and potential legal implications. The method, characterized by ranking employees as high performers, average performers, and underperformers, aims to promote excellence and facilitate talent identification. However, it also raises substantial concerns about demotivation, fairness, and bias. The inherent subjectivity of the system often leads to questions about its fairness, potentially affecting …