DUTCH REACTIONS TO BEHAVIORAL OBSERVATION, BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATION, AND TRAIT SCALES

Dutch managers and computer programmers appraised the performance of a subordinate or peer, respectively, using Behavioral Observation scale s (BOS), Behavioral Expectation scales (BES), and Trait scales, and th en evaluated the three appraisal instruments on eight criteria: abilit y to give feedback, ability to differentiate, objectivity, position di fferences, ability to provide training, setting corporate-wide standar ds, ability to set goals, and overall ease of use. Users preferred the BOS to the BES on seven criteria, and to the Trait Scale on all but t wo criteria. They preferred the Trait Scale to the BES on two criteria , namely, ease of use and position differences, and considered the BES and Trait scale equivalent on the remaining criteria. These findings parallel those found in a similar study conducted in the United States .