Won't Employees Self Evaluate Themselves Unrealistically High?

May We Recommend...

A lot of people believe that if you have employees self evaluate as part of performance management, they will evaluate themselves in an unrealistic, inaccurate, and overly complimentary way. It's a common perception, but it's really not all that accurate. The answer is, it depends.

The more vague the evaluation criteria the employee is asked to use, the more likely he or she will be unrealistic and evaluate him or herself more highly than let's say the manager.

For example, rating systems tend to be vaguer than asking whether an objective has been achieved. Ratings are more prone to inflation from self rating, BUT, it's by no means universal.

Interestingly enough, there's research to indicate that most many employees (as many as 80%), when asked if they are below average workers, average, or above average, will state they are above average. This is clearly impossible statistically. But before you allow cynicism to take hold, note that asking the question is exceedingly vague.

On the other hand, there is also evidence to show that when given clear and specific self evaluation guidelines, employees will actually be stricter with themselves than would be the manager.

In any event, since evaluations, self and otherwise should be used as a basis for discussion and communication, whether employees are more strict or more lenient than managers isn't a really crucial issue.

See Also:

 


About Company

Bacal & Associates was founded in 1992 by consultant and book author, Robert Bacal. Robert's books on performance management and reviews have been published by McGraw-Hill. He is available for consultation, training and keynote speaking on performance and management at work.

About

Robert Bacal

Keynotes/Conferences
Bacal's Books
About The Company
About Our Performance Management Philosophy
Seminars
Sitemap
Privacy Policy

Our Related Websites

Leadership Resource Center
Upgrade your understanding of modern leadership in a complex world. Stay current.

The Planning Resource Center

From strategic planning for businesses, small and large, right through to financial planning for millennials, stay current with the latest thoughts and actions on planning.

Bacal & Associates Store
Free and paid guides, books, and documents on business, management and more.

Small Business Resource Center

For anyone who owns, runs or would like to start their own business. Filled with advice, tips, articles.

We Believe

  • Performance management and appraisal MUST be a partnership between manager and employee where BOTH benefit.
  • Performance management can be the lever for improved employee engagement.
  • The review process is the LEAST important part of performance management
  • If managers aren't managing employee performance, why are they there?

Get in Touch

  • Phone:
    (613) 764-0241
  • Email: ceo@work911.com
  • Address:

  • Bacal & Associates
  • 722 St. Isidore Rd.
  • Casselman
  • Ontario
  • Canada, K0A 1M0