Final answer:
The phenomenon where a supervisor's ranking of a subordinate on one trait affects the rating of all other traits is known as the 'halo effect'. It can lead to biased employee reviews and impact career progress.
Step-by-step explanation:
The supervisor's ranking of a subordinate on one trait affecting the rating of all other traits is known as the halo effect. This psychological bias occurs when our overall impression of a person influences how we perceive their specific traits or behaviors. For example, if we view a colleague as competent overall, we might also automatically rate them as more dedicated, responsible, or even intelligent, regardless of actual evidence for these specific traits.
In an organizational context, the halo effect can have significant implications for performance appraisals, such as those described by the 360-degree performance appraisal. This effect can lead to skewed ratings in employee reviews, potentially impacting career development, promotions, and salary adjustments. Understanding the halo effect is crucial for supervisors and HR professionals to ensure more accurate and fair assessment outcomes.