Research has shown that supervisors may be more likely to attribute poor performance to external causes for low-status employees than for high-status employees.

External Causes

Factors outside an individual's control that influence events, outcomes, or behaviors, such as environmental conditions or other people's actions.

Low-status Employees

Workers within an organization who hold positions that are considered lower in rank, power, or social standing.

High-status Employees

Individuals within an organization who hold positions of high rank or esteem and typically possess significant influence or authority.