The Impact of Behavioral Traits on Performance Appraisal

This study investigates the effects of supervisor and subordinate measurable behavior on overall subjective/perceptual performance evaluation ratings. The behaviors operationalized as predictors are Dominance (D), Inducement (I), Steadiness (S), and Compliance (C). Correlation and hierarchical regression analyses establish positive effects on behavioral scales measuring: (1) Dominance, (2) Compliance, and (3) Inducement at the supervisory level. In the latter case, positive effects were found when comparing Supervisors with high levels of Inducement (I) to Subordinates with high levels of Compliance (C). Subordinates' Dominance (D) and Steadiness (S) scores also affected the performance evaluation ratings by Supervisors. Implications for employee performance and evaluation are discussed.