The influence of framing bias on the evaluation of performance information in the public sector

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5585/2025.27036

Keywords:

framing bias, decision-making, evaluation of performance information

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the influence in which performance information is presented (framed), with positive or negative valence, has on the judgment of civil servants.

Method: An experimental design was used, with randomized manipulation of positive and negative valence scenarios, with data from the application of a structured questionnaire to 260 civil servants from the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL).

Results: The analysis revealed the bias manifested itself more expressively in positive scenarios, with a strong tendency towards choices based on the certainty effect and its non-manifestation in negative scenarios.

Contributions: The study highlights the importance of understanding and mitigating framing bias in public management, suggesting raising awareness of this bias can improve the quality of decisions and promote more effective and informed practices. In addition to it, the evidence obtained can guide future research into the influence of heuristics and cognitive biases on decision-making in the public sector.

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Author Biographies

Lyzandra Marthyelly Cavalcante Lima , Universidade Federal de Alagoas - UFAL, Arapiraca, Alagoas, Brasil

Professional master's degree in public administration (PROFIAP) from the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL).

Rodrigo Vicente dos Prazeres, Universidade Federal de Alagoas - UFAL, Maceió, Alagoas, Brasil

PhD in Accounting from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). Professor at the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL).

Daiane Pias Machado, Universidade Federal de Alagoas - UFAL, Maceió, Alagoas, Brasil

PhD in Accounting (Federal University of Paraná - UFPR). Professor at the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL).

Polyandra Zampiere Pessoa da Silva , Universidade Federal do Cariri - UFCA, Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará, Brasil

PhD in Accounting from the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB). Professor at the Federal University of Cariri (UFCA).

Alvaro Fabiano Pereira de Macêdo , Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

Doctor in Administration from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUC-PR). Professor at the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid (UFERSA).

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Published

30.06.2025

How to Cite

Lima , L. M. C., Prazeres, R. V. dos, Machado, D. P., Silva , P. Z. P. da, & Macêdo , A. F. P. de. (2025). The influence of framing bias on the evaluation of performance information in the public sector. Revista Ibero-Americana De Estratégia, 24(3), e27036. https://doi.org/10.5585/2025.27036
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