An unconscious bias that often creeps into trait ratings when several traits are considered together is called what?

The halo effect refers to a cognitive bias where the perception of one positive trait in an individual influences the overall evaluation of that person's other traits. In the context of trait ratings, if someone is perceived positively in one area, such as their leadership skills, it can lead an evaluator to assume that they possess other positive traits, like teamwork or communication, even if those traits haven’t been specifically observed or assessed.

This bias can significantly affect the accuracy of performance evaluations in supervisory roles, as it may overshadow more objective assessments of an individual's capabilities. Understanding the halo effect is crucial for supervisors to ensure fair and accurate evaluations, allowing for improved decision-making regarding promotions, training, and other personnel management tasks.