Employee recognition can have negative effects. When it is inadequate or akin to flattery, it can lead to consequences that are as harmful to the company as employees.

• Jealousy and a sense of injustice: Jealousy may arise if employee recognition is perceived as inequitable or if certain employees appear to receive more than others without plausible justification. Recognition will subsequently be discredited and lose its value in everyone's eyes. To prevent this unhealthy atmosphere, it is a good idea to provide recognition based on the eight quality criteria and ensure that everyone knows the behaviors and attitudes the company values in order to provide a basis for recognition.

• An atmosphere of competition: An atmosphere of competition may develop among workers who will do whatever they can to obtain recognition. People will try to toot their own horn in order to attract sympathy and compliments. Yet recognition is part of a relational perspective that acknowledges and promotes cooperation. To counteract this undesired effect, use a variety of forms of recognition in accordance with the eight subcategories of employee recognition.

• Loss of credibility: Loss of credibility is another potential effect of inadequate recognition. If recognition is provided randomly, organization members will find it inconsistent and hard to believe. To optimize recognition and make it credible in everyone's eyes, it should be expressed judiciously and follow the eight quality criteria.

By and large, adverse affects can be avoided by following certain principles that govern and guide the expression of employee recognition. By remaining vigilant and attentive, you can optimize the results of employee recognition