What do you think of peer evaluations at work?

Philippines
February 27, 2007 10:43am CST
It felt strange when we had to evaluate our colleagues at work at the end of each year. Do you think peer evaluations are useful? Or do they create unnecessary tensions at work?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@kate1356 (697)
• United States
27 Feb 07
I think these evaluation would be useful only in a work environment where co-workers got along and worked as a cohesive unit. I have also worked at places where noone liked or respected each other.. I would hate to see what these co-workers would write about me.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
27 Feb 07
I agree with you. When I mentioned that management should "cover all bases", it definitely includes the nature of relationships and level of respect people have for each other in the organization. Thus, management must also be very familiar with, and aware of, the prevaling "atmosphere" at the workplace. I think all the more that these exercises need to be very focused and defined to that it doesn't turn into a virtual "free-for-all". Thanks for your comments!
@sylvrrain (659)
• United States
27 Feb 07
We had peer evaluations at a job, and I thought they were great. No one knew who made any of the comments, but I really feel that some of the employees actually improved their work habits. Some people got mad, oh well, because they did not get the comments they thought they should have gotten, but it did open their eyes to what their coworkers thought of them.
• Philippines
27 Feb 07
Hi! It was kind of strange in the beginning, but once the staff internalized this process, it becomes easier and really yields useful feedback. However, it must have a clear focus on specific aspects of work on which teamwork or cooperation has significant bearing. It also takes strong leadership on the part of management; otherwise, as earlier commented, it can turn into a "disaster". Again, it is tricky, and needs open minds. Thanks for the response!
• China
28 Dec 07
it's hard to say if it creates tensions at work.It's due to your actual situation especially what a man your boss is.Benign working circumstance and able-virtuous boss will make the yearly peer evaluation light and helpful.Opposityly,it converses.