Effect of Outcome Knowledge On Repeated Performance Evaluations

Abstract

Outcome information has been shown to have a significant impact on performance evaluations in a wide variety of decision settings. Studies of outcome effects on performance evaluation typically examine a one-time decision. Often, however, managers must repeatedly evaluate performance. This study examines how outcome information affects the revision of multiple performance evaluations over time. The results have important implications for research into the sensitivity of evaluators to the sequence of the receipt of positive and negative information. Implications of these results for performance evaluation in multiple areas of business are discussed.