What term refers to a rater grouping all ratings for an individual at either the high or low end of the scale?

The term that describes the phenomenon of a rater grouping all ratings for an individual at either the high or low end of a scale is known as the halo tendency. This term originates from the idea that a rater's overall impression of an individual can unduly influence their ratings on specific traits or performance indicators. For instance, if a rater views an individual positively in one area, they may rate that person highly in unrelated areas, leading to a skewed perception of the individual’s overall performance. Conversely, if the initial impression is negative, all subsequent ratings could similarly fall to the lower end of the scale, reflecting this bias rather than an accurate assessment.

This tendency is significant because it can affect performance evaluations, leading to inflated or deflated ratings that do not genuinely represent an individual’s capabilities or contributions. Understanding this concept is crucial for supervisors aiming to provide fair and balanced evaluations of their personnel.