Which evaluation error occurs when a manager generalizes one positive performance feature to all aspects?

• A. Halo Effect
• B. Central Tendency
• C. Horn Effect
• D. Appraiser Discomfort

Answer: (A)

Halo Effect is the bias where one positive attribute or performance feature colors the assessment of other, unrelated areas. When a manager sees one aspect doing well, they tend to infer that the employee is strong overall, leading to inflated ratings across multiple dimensions even if evidence in those other areas is mixed. For example, if someone consistently meets deadlines, a supervisor may rate them as highly competent in teamwork, communication, and initiative too, despite average performance in those areas. Central tendency would push ratings toward the middle, the horn effect would apply a negative trait to drag down other ratings, and appraiser discomfort isn’t a recognized systematic bias of this type.