Measuring Accountability in the Performance Appraisal Context: Rater Status and Organization Culture as Determinants of Rater Accountability

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop a measure of rater accountability, test differences in raters and ratees’ perceived level of rater accountability, and examine the positive relationship between an organizational culture promoting accurate appraisals and rater accountability. A total of 374 surveys were collected from full-time civil servants working in four central government agencies and three local government offices in South Korea. The sample consisted of 254 men and 120 women, and the average organization tenure was 15 years. Rater accountability measures were developed by modifying felt accountability measures and showed internal reliability. The results of multiple regression analysis reveal that an organizational culture promoting accurate appraisals affects rater accountability. However, contrary to expectation, raters and ratees show no meaningful difference in their level of perceived rater accountability.