Evaluating dynamic performance: the influence of salient Gestalt characteristics on performance ratings

It is well recognized that performance changes over time. However, the effect of these changes on overall assessments of performance is largely unknown. In a laboratory experiment, we examined the influence of salient Gestalt characteristics of a dynamic performance profile on supervisory ratings. W...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of applied psychology Vol. 92; no. 2; p. 490
Main Authors Reb, Jochen, Cropanzano, Russell
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.03.2007
Subjects
Adult
Employee Performance Appraisal
Employment - standards
Female
Gestalt Theory
Humans
Male
Online AccessGet more information
ISSN0021-9010
DOI10.1037/0021-9010.92.2.490

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Summary:It is well recognized that performance changes over time. However, the effect of these changes on overall assessments of performance is largely unknown. In a laboratory experiment, we examined the influence of salient Gestalt characteristics of a dynamic performance profile on supervisory ratings. We manipulated performance trend (flat, linear-improving, linear-deteriorating, U-shaped, and inverted U-shaped), performance variation (small, large), and performance mean (negative, zero, positive) within subjects and display format (graphic, tabular) between subjects. Participants received and evaluated information about the weekly performance of different employees over a simulated 26-week period. Results showed strong main effects on performance ratings of both performance mean and performance trend, as well as interactions with display format. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
ISSN:0021-9010
DOI:10.1037/0021-9010.92.2.490