On a behavior-based rating scale for appraisal where 9 is the highest score, what does a rating of 1 signify?

1. A behavior-based rating scale describes an actual job behavior at each point on the scale. 2. The top of the scale is 9, which stands for outstanding job behavior and performance. 3. The bottom of the scale is 1, which is viewed as very poor to unacceptable. 4. Because the scale runs from 1 to 9, the midpoint rather than the bottom would represent average performance, which rules out option B. 5. Meeting every standard would sit near the top of such a scale, not at its floor, so option A inverts the direction. 6. A rating of 1 is still a measurement, so option D confuses a low score with the absence of a score. _Source: OpenStax Introduction to Business (CC BY 4.0), Ch 8 "Managing Human Resources and Labor Relations", section 8.5 Performance Planning and Evaluation_