Business Pitch Dictionary by pitch.dog
Performance, pay & rewards · Working

Forced distribution

Also called: stack ranking

ELI5

A system requiring ratings to fit predetermined proportions.

Used in conversation

“Who is accountable for forced distribution, and who is affected by it?”

Pitch context

You will see “Forced distribution” in organisation plans, workforce reviews, change programmes and people reports when the discussion reaches performance, pay & rewards.

Why it matters: In performance, pay & rewards, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.

Caution

Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.

Sources & evidence · 2

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.