A Proposed Method to Combine Ranking and Graphic Rating in Performance Appraisal: The Quantitative Ranking Scale

A method is proposed to combine a relative and an absolute approach to performance appraisal; specifically, graphic rating and ranking are combined. In two studies which examined this method, called the Quantitative Ranking Scale (QRS), less leniency generally was found in QRS than in graphic rating. The psychometric performance of the QRS was best when the distinction between the QRS and pure ranking was least. Nonetheless, the system would appear to hold promise as an alternative to graphic rating that could easily be adapted to other rating formats, such as behavioral anchoring or computerized rating.