What is forced distribution and is it permitted?
• Forced distribution occurs when managers assign performance ratings based on a pre-determined rating distribution by percent of the population or number of employees. In forced distribution rating systems, employees are ranked relative to one another, rather than the evaluation of individual employee job performance assessed against rating criteria. • The NSPS regulations (5 CFR 9901.412(a)) expressly prohibit the use of forced or pre-determined distribution of ratings.
