Emory University. Human Resources – Learning and Organizational Development.
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Rating Scale for Competencies
1. Unacceptable: Inadequate performance that is frequently below job requirements and clearly problematic.
2. Needs improvement: Generally adequate performance but needs some improvement in order to consistently meet job requirements.
3. Meets expectations: Capable, satisfactory performance that consistently meets and occasionally exceeds job requirements.
4. Exceeds expectations: Strong performance that consistently meets and frequently exceeds job requirements.
5. Far exceeds expectations: Superior performance that regularly exceeds job requirements. This rating should be reserved for truly
outstanding performance throughout the review period.
Overall Score Rating Scale
1. Unacceptable: The employee frequently performs below the level expected of this position in all or almost all key aspects of the position.
Both what is produced and how it is produced are below Emory standards and clearly unacceptable. Unless there is obvious and immediate
improvement, earning this rating should cause Emory and the employee to seriously consider whether continued employment is appropriate.
A performance improvement plan and review by HR is required.
2. Needs improvement: The employee demonstrates adequate performance in most areas, but needs improvement in one or more significant
aspects that are critical to the position. Either what is produced or how it is produced require improvement in one or more areas to meet
expectations of the position and Emory. Such performance shortfalls may be attributable to newness on the job, missing or undeveloped
skills, and/or experience. Regardless, this rating conveys that performance is below expectations in one or more areas and must be
improved. A performance improvement plan and review by HR is required.
3. Meets expectations: The employee consistently demonstrates capable, or satisfactory, performance. Both what is produced and how it is
produced meet Emory standards and expectations of the position. The employee is a dependable, competent, knowledgeable individual who
meets and occasionally exceeds expectations of the position. This rating conveys solid, effective performance.
4. Exceeds expectations: The employee demonstrates strong, consistent performance in all or almost all competencies, skills and
responsibilities. Both what is produced and how it is produced meet and often exceed Emory standards and expectations of the position.
Results add value beyond the scope of the current role, often benefiting the division/department. Examples of these results must be given to
receive this rating. This rating should be reserved for employees with strong, commendable performance.
5. Far exceeds expectations: The employee regularly demonstrates superior performance. Both what is produced and how it is produced far
exceed Emory standards and expectations of the position. The employee is extraordinarily competent and productive. Performance at this
level occurs throughout the year and across all key aspects of the position. This employee is often sought out by others for counsel and
assistance, and is widely recognized as a role model. Examples of the results and sought after expertise must be given to receive this rating.
This rating should be used sparingly and reserved for truly outstanding performance throughout the review period.