Final answer:
A critical step in developing a Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale (BARS) is identifying performance dimensions created through a comprehensive job analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Developing a Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale (BARS) involves multiple steps, one of which is key to ensuring the scale's effectiveness. A critical step in this process is Identifying performance dimensions, essential aspects of job performance that are measurable and define successful job behavior. These dimensions are developed by conducting a thorough job analysis.
This could involve methods such as observation, interviews, and questionnaires to comprehensively understand the job's requirements. Once the performance dimensions are established, behaviors exemplifying each level of performance are documented.
These behaviors will then be associated with specific, numerical ratings to create a scale that can be used to evaluate employee performance objectively. The final BARS includes clear definitions of various levels of performance classified under each dimension.