The similarity between supervisors and subordinates has been shown to influence the attitudes and behavior of both. This study examines three perspectives of similarity: (1) accuracy of perceived instrumentalities; (2) actual and perceived personal similarity of background perspective; and (3) person-environment fit. These perspectives were examined for their influence on employee satisfaction and performance, and supervisor decisions about employee merit pay awards. Subjects included 155 dyads of subordinates and supervisors who were health care support personnel. Accuracy was measured by supervisors and subordinates rating the degree to which 10 areas of employee behavior were related to a high performance rating. Person-environment fit was measured comparing the responses. The results suggest that the most influential effect on performance was perceived likeness. Perceived similarity was related to higher satisfaction and performance ratings. Perceived similarity may reflect a motivational factor in which subordinates imitate the supervisor as a role model. (ABL)