What do you do if you suspect biases in performance evaluations of translation professionals?

1 Identify Bias

If you suspect bias in performance evaluations, the first step is to identify what type of bias might be affecting the judgment. Bias can come in many forms, such as favoritism towards a particular language pair, cultural background, or even stylistic preferences that may not align with industry standards. Carefully review the feedback you've received and compare it with objective criteria and industry benchmarks. Look for patterns or inconsistencies that suggest your work is being evaluated on factors other than its quality and accuracy.

2 Gather Evidence

Once you've identified potential biases, gather evidence to support your suspicions. This could include previous evaluations, specific comments made by evaluators, or a comparison of your work with that of peers who received different feedback. Document instances where the evaluation criteria were applied inconsistently or where subjective opinions might have overshadowed objective assessment. Solid evidence is key when addressing concerns about bias, as it provides a clear basis for discussion and review.

3 Communicate Concerns

After collecting evidence, communicate your concerns to the appropriate parties. This could be a supervisor, human resources department, or a professional association if you're a freelancer. Be professional and constructive in your approach, focusing on your desire to ensure fair and accurate evaluations. Present your evidence clearly but without assigning blame. Open communication can often lead to a better understanding of the evaluation process and how to improve it.

4 Seek Feedback

In addition to raising your concerns, seek feedback from colleagues or mentors within the translation community. They can offer an outside perspective on your work and may provide insights into whether the evaluation was fair. Their experience could also help you understand industry norms and whether your expectations align with them. Remember, feedback is a two-way street, and it's also an opportunity to reflect on your work critically.

5 Request Review

If your concerns are not addressed satisfactorily, you may request a formal review of your performance evaluation. Ensure that you follow any established procedures within your organization or industry for such reviews. A formal review process often involves a different set of evaluators who can assess your work without the alleged bias. This step is about advocating for yourself while respecting the protocols in place.