HR Glossary
What is Bell Curve (Forced Distribution)?
A performance rating system that requires managers to distribute employee performance ratings along a predetermined bell-shaped curve, typically placing a fixed percentage of employees into top, middle, and bottom categories regardless of actual performance distribution within the team.
Why it matters in hiring
Bell Curve (Forced Distribution) comes up whenever teams compare candidates, set policy or report on people data. Getting the definition right keeps decisions consistent, which is the same reason springhire scores every applicant against the same criteria rather than on impression.
Related terms starting with B
- Balanced Scorecard
- Base Salary
- Behavioral Interview
- Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale (BARS)
- Betriebliche Altersvorsorge - Company Pension (Germany)
- Blended Learning
- Blind Recruitment
- Bogus Self-Employment
Part of the springhire HR glossary, 1,150+ HR, payroll and recruiting terms defined. Free, no signup.
