Performance Evaluation Inflation:

Abstract

The artificial inflation of performance on periodic evaluations is a well-documented phenomenon in private companies. However, while widespread inflation has been suspected in the Air Force, little research exists to confirm this. It is hypothesized here that the practice of awarding artificially high ratings on military performance evaluations is similarly high and not significantly different in nature from private sector evaluations. The survey conducted suggests that this is the case, and that officers tend to inflate in order to help a good troop, keep from appearing harsh, and retain personnel who otherwise would be cut. These results have important implications for the Air Force, as they reveal the shortcomings of performance reports, and highlight areas and strategies for improvement.