Use of Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS) to Complement the Management by Objectives (MBO) and Fitness Report Components of the Marine Corps Performance Evaluation System.

摘要

This thesis identifies problems with the Marine Corps' performance appraisal system, and proposes a solution, the focus of which is behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS). The problems are: (1) failure to attain performance counseling objectives, (2) lack of control procedures to insure that counseling is achieved, and (3) evidence that many Marines are not counseled. The Marine Corps' appraisal system has two components: the Fitness Report, and a management-by-objectives (MBO) methodology. The problem is that the Fitness Report does not provide feedback useful to subordinates, and the MBO methodology is so unstructured that the natural reluctance-to-counsel runs unchecked. Behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS) are proposed as an appraisal instrument ideally suited to provide feedback. The author examines the development procedures for BARS and reviews the literature on BARS found in organizational behavior periodicals. The author concludes that BARS, coupled with the Fitness Report and the MBO methodology, and controlled by appropriate guidelines, would embody the characteristics, of an ideal performance appraisal system. He recommends that BARS be developed for and tested by an infantry battalion. The research method was a library search concentrating on behavioral research reports and articles by practicing managers and military officers. (author)