I am on the fence here and I need some insight!  Do you think it is acceptable for co-workers to write other former co-workers letters of recommendations on such sights as LinkedIn or Facebook  or does that come from the Office/Firm Administrator?

On the one side of the rose colored fence, I think everyone has the right to do as they wish outside of the office. It is a cozy feeling to know that co-workers form such nice bonds with one another that can be of assistance down the road. But sitting on top of the fence is THE MANAGEMENT. If the current employee writes this great recommendation, is it also a reflection of your firm/office?

Now I have jumped over the fence.  I saw on LinkedIn that my current associate wrote a very recent recommendation for a former co-worker who in the eyes of management, was less than stellar.  The current employee just answered a request and did not discuss with management.  But here's the question: Did she have to?  If this was on her own time, did she need to ask?

As the firm Administrator, I was a bit put off  that I happen to stumble upon this recommendation.  Do online recommendations even count or as professionals, do we still prefer to have personal conversations with colleagues to check out references?

I think I am still still sitting on top of the fence!