Criticizing Our Colleagues: Tough, But Kind
http://www.usabilityprofessionals.org/upa_publications/upa_voice/volumes/2004/nov/criticizing_our_colleagues.html
  peer-reviewed

Wilson, Chauncey E.
Usability Professionals Association
2004

Abstract:

I’m not used to writing editorials, but lately I’ve heard complaints from more than a few usability professionals about reviews of their work that were snide, hostile, and lacking in reasonable suggestions and this has moved me to speak out. These complaints deal with a primary activity of our profession: constructive criticism. We are often asked to uncover potential problems with products and processes and recommend design changes that could improve usability – using a tone that is firm and constructive. We are also asked to provide feedback to our usability colleagues in book, proposal, and presentation reviews. I have become concerned that feedback among usability professionals is not always as constructive as the feedback we routinely present to our clients. With the recent introduction of the UPA Code of Conduct, hostile reviews of the work of colleagues could be considered an ethical violation. More about that later.