When it comes to performance reviews, it may be time to rethink the role of numerical ratings. New research suggests that removing numbers altogether could lead to fairer evaluations and clearer guidance for employees.

Researchers from Cornell University found that narrative-only feedback is perceived as the fairest form of performance evaluation and helps employees better understand how to improve. The findings were announced in early January following the study’s publication in late December.

How the Study Was Conducted

The study examined how employees respond to performance feedback delivered in three different formats: numerical-only ratings, narrative-only feedback, and a combination of both. Researchers analyzed responses from approximately 1,600 employees.

Contrary to expectations, the combined approach did not perform best. Instead, narrative-only feedback consistently ranked highest in perceived fairness and was least likely to make employees feel negatively evaluated.

Why Numbers Can Undermine Fairness

According to the research, even mid-range numerical scores can trigger negative reactions. Employees reported feeling unfairly judged when numbers were included, especially when those scores lacked context.

Participants also said that numerical ratings alone failed to provide meaningful guidance on how to improve performance. Without explanation, numbers left employees uncertain about expectations and next steps.

Researchers observed that employees who received only narrative feedback felt less discouraged than those who saw numerical ratings attached to their evaluations.

Combined Feedback Isn’t Always Better

Even when narrative explanations accompanied numerical scores, employees still viewed the feedback as less fair than narrative-only reviews.

Researchers suggested that the presence of numbers may signal judgment rather than development. Employees may interpret numerical ratings as emphasizing weaknesses instead of supporting growth.

As a result, the numerical component can overshadow the constructive intent of written feedback, reducing its overall effectiveness.

The Limits of Narrative-Only Reviews

Despite the benefits, researchers caution against eliminating numbers entirely. Narrative-only reviews can introduce challenges when organizations need objective benchmarks for decisions such as promotions, bonuses, or compensation adjustments.

Without numerical data, it may be harder to ensure consistency or justify high-stakes outcomes. As a result, organizations may need to balance developmental feedback with operational requirements.

Rethinking Performance Evaluation

The findings highlight an important shift in how organizations might approach performance management. While numbers offer structure and comparability, narrative feedback appears to foster fairness, clarity, and emotional safety.

For employers, the challenge lies in designing review systems that encourage improvement without discouraging employees — blending transparency, development, and accountability in a way that truly supports performance growth.