Predictors of 360-degree appraisal rating

This study was conducted with 433 participants whO were experiencing a 360-feedback process at a midsize insurance company. Three independent variables were investigated -the rater's affect toward the ratee, the amount of time the rater observed the ratee's behaviors, and the interaction between affect and observation time. The dependent variable was the ratee's 360 ratings (peer, downward, upward). While controlling for ratees' job performance results, the study indicates that rater affect significantly predicts upward, peer, and downward ratings. However, there was a significant negative relationship between the amount of rater observation of ratees and peer and downward appraisal ratings. Finally, the interaction between affect and observation time was significant for peer and downward appraisal ratings.