A new old question: Do contextual factors relate to rating behavior: An investigation with peer evaluations

The personality (dispositional) characteristic of self-monitoring, beliefs and orientations toward the performance appraisal of 62 peer raters were collected in an attempt to predict peer rating behavior (i.e., mean ratings, rater discrimination, and performance appraisal dimensions discrimination). The beliefs and orientation toward appraisal systems emerged moderately related to rating behavior measures. Specific variables included in the category termed rating context revealed further illuminating effects. Furthermore, the moderating effect of self-monitoring on the relationship rating the context-rating behavior of peers was solidly supported. Theoretical interpretations of the results were discussed.