The effect of rater accountability on performance ratings: A meta-analytic review

Although rater accountability is recognized as a potentially important characteristic of performance rating contexts, due to discrepant findings in the literature, its effect on performance ratings is unclear. This issue was addressed in the present study using meta-analytic methods to synthesize findings across 35 samples. Consistent with expectations, the effect of rater accountability on performance ratings varied as a function of accountability source, such that ratings were substantively influenced by accountability only when raters were held accountable by the ratee versus a superior. This effect was consistent whether accountability was introduced through identification or justification manipulations. Further, we did not detect any evidence suggesting that findings varied as a function of rating direction or study setting. Implications for performance appraisal research and practice are discussed.