Forced Ranking

What is Forced Ranking?

Forced ranking is a performance management system that requires managers to rank employees against one another and distribute ratings according to a predetermined curve. Typically, a fixed percentage of employees must be rated as top performers, average performers, and low performers. Proponents argue that forced ranking identifies high-potential talent and addresses underperformance. Critics contend that it damages collaboration, creates unhealthy competition, and can lead to arbitrary or biased decisions. Many organisations have moved away from forced ranking in favour of more developmental approaches to performance management.