Self–observer rating discrepancies: Once an overrater, always an overrater?

Abstract

Differences between the perceptions of self-raters and other observers are often found on 360-degree feedback instruments. This article reports on the nature of these self–observer differences. Specifically, self–observer discrepancies were found to be stable over time. In addition, discrepancies on skill-based multirater instruments were related to discrepancies on personality-based multirater instruments. This suggests that accuracy in self-perception is a stable individual difference. The implications for job performance and personality assessment are discussed. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.