BARS (Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales)

Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS) are tools used to evaluate performance by providing specific examples of behavior corresponding to different levels of performance. Instead of just giving vague ratings (like "good" or "poor"), BARS uses detailed descriptions of actual behaviors that illustrate what each rating means. For instance, a scale for communication skills might describe a “5” as “clearly articulates ideas in meetings” and a “1” as “frequently interrupts others and struggles to convey thoughts.” This structured approach helps ensure fair and accurate evaluations by grounding them in observable behavior.