"No judging!" That's what my daughter said, when reminded by her mother to improve her learning. A personal statement that wants to emphasize that others don't need to judge her, criticize her.

Of course, this answer was beyond the expectations of the parents, who, at the child's age, would never dare to give such an answer, if they didn't want to be scolded further and further. 

But times have changed. Or the times are changing, because the current generation communicates more freely, unlike the previous generation. They also get information from anywhere.

In the old days, when criticized or judged by others, they would obey, instead of giving counter comments. But that's the value we give now, the value of democracy that prioritizes equality and freedom. 

So is criticism, or judgment, necessary when one feels equal to another. In interpersonal relationships, of course, such feedback, criticism or judgment can cause discomfort. You don't know who the person is, but suddenly he or she criticizes your style of dress, so you're bound to get angry, at least in a bad mood. 

The opposite situation applies in a hierarchical relationship of an organization, let alone a for-profit organization or institution. Appraisal is of course mandatory, especially performance appraisal. The question is, can assessment be done by anyone to anyone? 

Although sometimes, the level of assessment is simply commenting on the work of other colleagues in other divisions and does not mean anything, but doing an evaluation without procedures and rules, will be a problem. Because commenting on a work product, even if it's just a personal opinion, especially if the opinion is directed at the other party, then the person who feels the address of the comment can be offended, feeling bullied. 

Inter-personal relationships can be strained, and the company's performance can suffer. This is where awareness of the principles of communication ethics and professional obligations comes in.

Respect for rights and dignity

In a relationship between members of an organization, there are moral rules that apply, namely the need to respect professionalism and maintain hierarchical order and correct communication. Moreover, making comments in an organizational context, over coffee at an informal meeting, let alone in a group chat, is not the right forum for criticism. 

Criticism, especially sensitive ones, should be delivered through formal and private communication channels, such as in-person meetings or e-mails, not in virtual public spaces involving many irrelevant people.

Communication ethics demands respect for the rights and dignity of every individual. In the philosophy of existentialism, as proposed by Austrian-Israeli philosopher Martin Buber, true communication occurs in an "I-You" relationship, not "I-That". This means that we must see the other person as a complete subject. 

At another level, communication aimed at evaluation also needs to prioritize the most fundamental principle, which is honesty. Professional communication should be based on truth and accurate facts. It also emphasizes transparency, which can create an inclusive work environment and minimize rumors or misinformation. Transparency can also show respect to colleagues, as they are given the information they need to make informed decisions.

Transparency can also show respect to coworkers, as they are given the information they need to make informed decisions.

After all, communication is part of freedom of expression. However, in liberal philosophical teachings that emphasize freedom of expression, this freedom is not absolute. British philosopher John Stuart Mill, in On Liberty , states that freedom of speech should be restricted when it tends to be judgmental, causing harm to others. Communication ethics, then, demands a balance between the right to speak, and the responsibility for the impact of that speech.

So within the boundaries of interaction with others, every word we say, especially when we want to express judgment to the other party, has the potential to build up or tear down. So, ethical communication in the context of giving consideration to the performance of others, especially those who do not have a direct hierarchical relationship, is a form of our moral responsibility towards colleagues.

By understanding these philosophical principles, we not only become better communicators, but also wiser and more dignified human beings.