In: Psychology
(I/O Psych.) In lawsuits invovling performance appraisals, judgements are more likely to favor defendants (organizations) when:
a. only supervisor ratings are used
b. checklists are used for making ratings
c. written instructions regarding the appraisal process are provided
d. ratings for poor employees score above the mid-point of the ratings scale
Answer: In lawsuits involving performance appraisals, judgements are more likely to favor defendants (organizations) when: written instructions regarding the appraisal process are provided (Option C).
Explanation of the answer: In legal cases, fair proceedings are based on some appraisal characteristics, as suggested in the procedural justice arguments from Thibaut and Walker (1975). These characteristics include practices like the employee’s review of appraisal outcome, higher frequency of appraisal, interrater agreement, etc. Such practices assure process fairness and accuracy. Now, let’s consider every answer option:
Thus, for the judgement to be in favor of defendant (organization), it is important to have the written instructions that set the standards of appraisal for both parties. So, the right answer is Option C.