ABSTRACT
Evaluation and assessment involve making judgements of a person’s work. Inextricably linked with a person’s work are the personal qualities they bring to their work. Self-assessment is relatively non-problematic in terms of its potential to evoke negative reactions, whereas evaluative comments offered by a supervisor can readily engender defensive reactions on the part of the person being assessed, particularly where these are taken personally. There is a great deal of skill in carrying out the assessment process in a manner which fosters openness and an orientation towards personal and professional development in the supervisee. Central to the process of assessment is the crucial issue of purpose. Identification of purpose is the first step in making a judgement about one’s own or another person’s work.
