Reliability, Validity, And Bias In Peer Evaluations Of Self Directed Interdependent Work Teams

Peer evaluations are being used as a source of information for improving team performance 2,3 and accounting for individual contributions to a group project 4. Peer evaluations as a source of information for small self-directed group work have an appeal because the team members are in the best position to observe the team skills of their fellow team members. Despite this advantage, concerns have been levied against the use of peer evaluations. Abson 5, for example, suggested that peer evaluations can be abused and have undesirable effects on individuals in the group. Mathews 6 studied peer assessment of small group work in a management studies program. He noted patterns of response included giving all group members the same score, collusion between group members, and potential ganging-up on one member. Mathews also noted that perceptions can vary between people accounting for some of the variability. Mathews comments were based on his observations. He did not report any statistical data to support his claims.