Abstract

The issue under scrutiny in this study is to answer whether priming manipulations can influence performance appraisal in terms of discomfort towards the appraisal process and leniency. We viewed priming manipulations as a potential palliative for rating elevation as well as a tool for research in performance appraisal. Following previous studies, 278 participants were primed with collectivism or individualism to alter interdependent and independent self-construals. We hypothesized that, in comparison to participants primed with individualism, participants primed with collectivism would: (1) Display more discomfort towards the rating phase of the appraisal process, and (2) provide higher ratings. Results showed significant difference neither in means of discomfort towards the rating phase of the appraisal process nor in rating elevation. We discuss practical implications concerning the use of priming in the appraisal process. Further analysis suggested that predominantly interdependent raters feel less discomfort towards rating but are more prone to elevate ratings as compared to predominantly independent raters.