What does the forced distribution method do when assessing employee performance?

The forced distribution method assigns individuals to a limited number of categories by distributing employees' performance ratings along a predefined curve. This method typically requires managers to categorize employees into a set number of performance levels, often including a predetermined percentage for each category, such as top performers, average performers, and underperformers.

This approach can help create a clear distinction between different levels of performance within a team, encouraging competition and facilitating identification of high and low performers. By imposing this structured categorization, organizations aim to manage performance more efficiently and ensure that talent management processes, such as promotions and raises, are based on a relative assessment of all employees.

While the method can precipitate a clearer performance hierarchy, it may also lead to dissatisfaction among employees if they feel their true contributions are not being adequately recognized or that the system is unfair.

The other options highlight different assessment methodologies. Grading on a curve refers to normalizing scores rather than specifically categorizing them. Evaluating performance based on individual goals focuses on personal achievements and objectives unrelated to how employees compare with each other. The descriptive writing approach involves narrative evaluations rather than quantifiable assessments like those seen in forced distributions.