Behaviourally anchored rating scales (BARS) use the critical incident technique discussed in Chapter 4 to empirically derive job behaviours that are rated and then used to anchor the values placed on a rating scale. Although this procedure sounds simple, it is actually quite complex and time consuming. Figure 5.5 shows a behaviourally anchored rating scale developed for the competency of communication. In Figure 5.5, statements such as "Makes interesting and informative presentations," "Uses email effectively and replies in a timely fashion," and "Explains complicated points in different ways to ensure under- standing" would have been assigned similarly high ratings by SMEs. A rating scale like his could then be used to evaluate an employee's level of proficiency with respect to communication.

Example of bEHAviOuRAL AnCHORs usEd TO AssEss COmmuniCATiOn COmPETEnCy

Communication involves communicating ideas and information orally and/or in writing in a way that ensures the messages are easily understood by others; listening to and understanding the comments and questions of others; marketing key points effectively to a target audience; and speaking and writing in a logical, well-ordered way. Circle the rating that best represents the degree of communication exhibited by the employee you are rating.

5 Excellent

Makes interesting and informative presentations; explains complicated points in different ways to ensure understanding; written reports are concise, understandable, and lead to defendable and convincing conclusions; uses email effectively and replies in a timely fashion; actively listens to others to ensure understanding of what they said; uses humour to capture and maintain attention of audience; makes effective use of nonverbal communication; provides feedback to ensure comprehension of messages that are received.

4 Above Average

Written and oral communication exhibit excellent grammar and vocabulary; maintains eye contact with audience during oral presentations; speaks with confidence and authority; written and oral presentations are well organized; gets to the point in oral presentations; accurately summarizes positions taken during group discussions; listens carefully to opinions and concerns of others.

3 Average

Performs well in a structured setting; actively participates in group discussions; presents unpopular positions in a nonthreatening manner and acknowledges opposing points of view; asks for feedback from audience; makes presentations in a clear and concise manner.

2 Below Average

Oral presentations are factual and accurate but lose the attention of the audience; presentations are overly long; leaves out important points in both oral and written reports; email messages are confusing; performs other tasks while listening to people and does not hear what was said; needs to repeat points to get them across to an audience; does not make an effort to obtain feedback from audience.

1 Unsatisfactory

Has difficulty establishing a relationship with the audience; uses inappropriate grammar and vocabulary; responds inappropriately to what has been said; does not make an effort to ensure that presentation was understood; ideas are presented in a disorganized manner; written communication and emails are brief and incomplete.

using the above information, what are the elements of a BARS scoring guide?