Hi, 

Can the bell curve be skewed?

That is to say, instead of using a normal bell curve or normal distribution every year that says 75% are average performers, 10% above average and 15% below average, can a bell curve change shape based on yearly performance, for example 80 are average, 5 are below average and 15 are excellent?

My company uses the standard distribution and then people are "fit" under the curve. However, it seems unusual to me. Shouldn't the bell curve BE DETERMINED by the role of performers rather than the bell curve DETERMINE the role of performers??

Narayan

Hi Narayan,

I do not see the situation of bell shaped curve/normal probability curve. The employees are already screened. So in the performance measurement a negatively skewed curve is bound to be obtained- poor performers tapering left side. Percentages are cut ff points and depends upon management decisions. Performance measures determine the curve and not the vice versa.

Hope this helps.

Ronald

Hi Ronald,

Thats what I needed to confirm. We seem to be doing the opposite, by putting people under the standard distribution.

Narayan

How can you put the people under standard distribution? They will occupy position on the basis of their performance scores. The performance scores will determine the nature of the curve. You can not manipulate it.

Ronald