360 Degree Feedback
The role of 360-degree feedback in performance appraisals How does this compare with other performance appraisal methods?
Executive summary
360-degree feedback is one of the most widely used employee assessments today. Its popularity has increased dramatically with the growth of the web-based assessment tools that has made implementation easier, cheaper and faster.
The purpose of the 360-degree feedback is to assist each individual to understand the strengths, weaknesses and development needs to perform the job at an optimum level. The organisations should have a clear understanding as to why they are using the 360-degree feedback and should follow the right steps to successfully implement the process. I have personally undergone 360-degree feedback assessment early this year and thought it was a waste of time for the reasons discussed under ‘what can go wrong?’ in his paper.
What is 360-degree feedback?
The purpose of the 360-degree feedback is to assist each individual to understand the strengths, weaknesses and development needs to perform the job better. This method is predominantly being used by middle to senior management level employees with the opportunity to receive performance feedback from a range of colleagues including, supervisor, team members (or direct reports) and peers. It also includes a self-assessment and feedback from external sources such as customers and suppliers or other interested stakeholders.
360-degree feedback can also be a useful development tool for people who are not in a management role. We can argue that a ‘non-manager’ 360-degree assessment is not measuring feedback since there are no direct reports, but my extensive reading on this suggest that the same principles can be still apply and can be used to help employee be more effective in their current roles and guide them to move into a management role.
The results from 360-degree feedback are used to plan training and development needs of the employees. Results are
Executive summary
360-degree feedback is one of the most widely used employee assessments today. Its popularity has increased dramatically with the growth of the web-based assessment tools that has made implementation easier, cheaper and faster.
The purpose of the 360-degree feedback is to assist each individual to understand the strengths, weaknesses and development needs to perform the job at an optimum level. The organisations should have a clear understanding as to why they are using the 360-degree feedback and should follow the right steps to successfully implement the process. I have personally undergone 360-degree feedback assessment early this year and thought it was a waste of time for the reasons discussed under ‘what can go wrong?’ in his paper.
What is 360-degree feedback?
The purpose of the 360-degree feedback is to assist each individual to understand the strengths, weaknesses and development needs to perform the job better. This method is predominantly being used by middle to senior management level employees with the opportunity to receive performance feedback from a range of colleagues including, supervisor, team members (or direct reports) and peers. It also includes a self-assessment and feedback from external sources such as customers and suppliers or other interested stakeholders.
360-degree feedback can also be a useful development tool for people who are not in a management role. We can argue that a ‘non-manager’ 360-degree assessment is not measuring feedback since there are no direct reports, but my extensive reading on this suggest that the same principles can be still apply and can be used to help employee be more effective in their current roles and guide them to move into a management role.
The results from 360-degree feedback are used to plan training and development needs of the employees. Results are
References: • Clark, S., Whittall, A. (2003). Performance management develops productivity.. Retrieved from http://web.lexis-nexis.com/universe/document on September 8, 2009. • Edwards, Mark R., & Ewen, Ann J. (1996). 360-degree feedback: The powerful new model for Employee Assessment & performance improvement. • Eichinger, Robert • Fleenor, J. W., & Prince, J. M. (1997). Using 360-degree feedback in organisations: An annotated bibliography. Greensboro, NC: Center for Creative Leadership. • Heathfield, S. (2004). 360-degree feedback: the good, the bad and the ugly defines and examines multirater feedback. Retrieved from http://humanresources.about.com/library/weekly/aa042501b.htm on September 9, 2009. • Lepsinger, R., and Lucia, Anntoinette (1997). The art and science of 360-degree feedback • Mack, R • Reddan, T., (2009). ANU lecture material on Assessment and Employee Selection on Human Resource Management. • Rigby. C., (2009). ANU lecture material on Assessment and Employee Selection on Human Resource Management. • Tornow, Walter W and London, Manuael (1998). Maximising the value of 360-degree feedback