Conceptualization of evaluation exhaustion and development of a measurement scale

"Evaluation exhaustion" has been identified as a negative aspect of evaluation systems in both individuals and organizations. Evaluation exhaustion is a phenomenon that arises from discrete evaluation acts and the entire series of associated activities. However, the concept has not been clearly defined, and no quantitative measurement method has been established. Therefore, we developed items for a scale to measure evaluation exhaustion and organized the concept of evaluation exhaustion (Study 1). Next, we established the Evaluation Exhaustion Scale and examined its construct validity and the temporal stability of responses (Study 2). We found evaluation exhaustion was a complex psychological state comprising four factors: "uncertainty about the purpose of evaluation," "distrust in the evaluation system," "a sense of psychological burden from evaluation work," and "a sense of physical burden from evaluation work." In addition, Evaluation Exhaustion Scale scores were predictably associated with work motivation, occupational stress, meaningful work, and fear of negative evaluation. We expect our scale to be useful for further empirical research on evaluation exhaustion.