A marked tendency to rate high results in what is commonly referred to as?

The scenario described in the question pertains to how performance evaluations can be influenced by certain biases or tendencies among raters. The correct term associated with a marked tendency to rate performance high is "a positive bias."

Positive bias occurs when evaluators consistently rate individuals higher than their performance may warrant. This can happen due to various factors, such as wanting to maintain good relationships with employees, an inclination to favor positive attributes, or simply a lack of critical assessment skills. When this bias is present, it leads to an inflated perception of the individual’s capabilities and achievements, which can skew the overall performance assessment process.

This concept is important because it impacts how employees are motivated, how performance standards are set, and ultimately how resources are allocated within an organization. Understanding this tendency is crucial for supervisors who need to ensure fair and accurate assessments of their team's performance.