Graphic Rating Scale: Advantages, Limitations, Examples, and Best Practices

One of the key responsibilities of every Human Resources department is to facilitate conducting regular employee evaluations to ensure staff understand their strengths and weaknesses and how to improve and progress within an organization. A graphic rating scale is a popular, tried, and tested performance appraisal method. But how does it work? What are its advantages and limitations? And what are the best practices for using the graphic rating scale for performance appraisals? Let’s dive in. ContentsWhat is a graphic rating scale in performance appraisals?Graphic rating scale examplesAdvantages of the graphic rating scale methodLimitations of the graphic rating scale methodTips for using a graphic rating scale effectively What is a graphic rating scale in performance appraisals? A graphic rating scale (sometimes called a Likert scale) is a performance appraisal method that lists desired traits and behaviors for each role, then rates workers on each of those on a numbered scale. The attributes might include punctuality, quality of work, job knowledge, teamwork, accountability, responsibility, etc.  This helps an organization determine employee performance levels, increase efficiency and productivity, and make salary adjustments or promotions. The graphic rating scale method also helps HR managers obtain quantitative data regarding various employee attributes in relation