Some supervisors described a more externalised coping strategy, such as providers trying to influence evaluations through inappropriate negotiations or persuasions. This could be by asking or begging for better marks or a form of bribing such as offering a beer at bar. Some providers believed supervisors expected this. In the mixed FGD, a provider described it could be by using gender attributes: ‘Another colleague … told me “you do not know how to talk to him!”. S/he said, “you get close to him, smile to him and tell him ‘forgive me’”. He is a man – and then he gives you all your marks [best marks in PBF].’ (P1, female, A2 degree)