Assumed Similarity in Communication Styles

Abstract

Assumed similarity is a distortion of perceptions that may occur during assessment interviews. This happens when the assessor, attracted to the candidate, assumes incorrectly that the candidate shares characteristics similar to him- or herself. The present study examines assumed similarity in relation to the assessment process. Canonical correlation found a significant relationship between attraction and assumptions of similarity. Managers consistently perceived the speaker as having communication styles and social skills similar to themselves. This included both positive and negative characteristics. Implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the actual assessment process and in teaching assessment skills that control the distortion of assumed similarity.