Final answer:
The initial step in developing Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS) and Behavioral Observation Scales (BOS) is to conduct a job analysis to establish the foundation of these assessment tools.
Step-by-step explanation:
First Steps in Developing BARS and BOS
The first step in developing Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS) and Behavioral Observation Scales (BOS) is to conduct a job analysis. This entails gathering detailed information about the job responsibilities, required skills, and desired outcomes for a particular position. Conducting a job analysis is critical since it forms the foundation upon which the scales are developed, ensuring that the behaviors included in BARS and BOS are relevant and job-specific. After completing the job analysis, the next steps typically involve generating critical incidents, developing performance dimensions, scaling these incidents, and then developing the final instrument.