Behaviourally anchored rating scale

How it is used

Often abbreviated to BARS; use when rating anchors describe behaviour rather than vague labels alone.

Example sentences

1. The behaviourally anchored rating scale described how an adviser handled an unclear customer request.

   Specific work actions give the rater a reference for assigning a level.

2. Managers tested the behaviourally anchored rating scale against examples from several branches.

   Testing checks whether the behavioural descriptions fit real work across settings.

Common collocations

• develop a behaviourally anchored rating scale
• BARS assessment

Related terms

• appraisalA formal assessment of an employee's work over a period, usually in a meeting with their manager; the word is mainly British for a performance review.
• constructive feedbackSpecific, helpful comments that point out what could be done better and how, given respectfully so that the person can learn from them.

More terms: Performance Management

• performance review
• KPI
• target
• benchmark
• underperform
• performance improvement plan
• SMART goals
• 360-degree feedback
• talent management
• stretch goal
• balanced scorecard
• strategy map