Traditional methods of evaluating performance often use rating scales. When using rating scales, use ________ factors, whenever possible.

• A. Subjective
• B. Objective
• C. Personal bias
• D. Random

Answer: (B)

Use objective factors whenever possible. Rating scales work best when they measure things that can be observed, counted, or quantified, because this creates a consistent, repeatable standard across evaluators. Objective measures reduce the influence of personal opinions, moods, or interpretations, making the evaluation more fair and defensible. For example, instead of rating someone as “efficient” based on a feel, you can track measurable outcomes like the percentage of cases processed within a deadline or the number of errors per 100 transactions. Relying on subjective judgments invites personal bias and inconsistency, and adding randomness only increases unreliability. By grounding evaluations in objective data, the rating scale becomes a defensible tool for comparing performance accurately.