The idea of a 360 degree performance appraisal is to survey those around an employee to gather information about their performance from the perspective of different individuals they interact with at work. Feedback is typically provided by subordinates, peers and supervisors, the individuals themselves (self-assessment), and may include feedback from customers or clients. “360” refers to the 360 degrees in a circle, with an employee figuratively in the middle of the circle.
360 degree performance appraisals provide comprehensive, balanced information, i.e. they reveal how the individual operates in a range of roles and with a range of individuals; as a manager, as a member of a team, as a subordinate and, if applicable, with their clients. Reviewers typically remain anonymous, thereby reducing the likelihood of inaccuracies such as the ‘halo’ effect.
Understanding the 360-Degree Performance Appraisal
Studies have shown that 360-degree appraisal programs help individuals improve their performance in the short-term (Reilly, Smither, & Vasilopoulos, 1996) and longer-term (Reilly et al., 1996; Walker & Smither, 1999). They have also been shown to be useful predictors of future performance (Maylett & Riboldi, 2007).
Specific benefits that have been outlined by organisations that have used 360-degree performance appraisals include:
– Accountability and team development: multi-rater systems make team members more accountable to each other as they will provide feedback on each member’s performance. This can enhance communication and team development.
Benefits of 360-Degree Appraisals for Managers and Organisations
Career development: the comprehensiveness of the information provides a great opportunity for individuals to learn from it to enhance their career. Ratings may also be used as an opportunity for personal development.
Reduced discrimination risk: rating systems completed by only one rater run the risk of being too critical or overly lenient, depending on the individual’s relationship with the person completing the survey. Canvassing a range of views can reduce the risk of personal issues influencing performance appraisals.
While 360-degree appraisals can be used for all employees, they are typically applied to managers and senior managers. These appraisals assess factors linked to effective leadership. Identifying strong leaders and developing their potential benefits the entire organisation by increasing team satisfaction, reducing turnover, and improving productivity.
However, 360-degree appraisals are complex. They require significant administration and technical knowledge. Compared to other evaluation systems, they need a well-designed program and trained professionals to ensure proper implementation.
As stated by one Human Resources author:
“Implemented with care and training to enable people to better serve customers and develop their careers, 360-degree feedback is a positive addition to your performance management system. Started haphazardly.., or because “everyone” else is doing it, 360 feedback will create a disaster.”
Many problems with 360-degree performance appraisals stem from a lack of expertise in their design, administration, and interpretation. Research shows that the type of response scale and the relationship between the rater and the person being rated are critical factors to consider when designing the system (Bracken et al., 2001; Eichinger & Lombardo, 2004; Kaplan & Kaiser, 2003).
RightPeople’s LMEI: A Trusted 360-Degree Tool for Leadership
So it can be difficult to know how to design and implement a 360-degree rating system. With expert Psychologist support, RightPeople’s Leadership Mastery Evaluation Inventory (LMEI) is a 360-degree performance appraisal tool for managers designed to provide explicit feedback on key leadership competencies compared to the job’s ‘ideal’ level. Ratings are obtained from the individual being evaluated, supervisors, peers and subordinates – the system allows for an unlimited number of respondents so it can be adapted to any organisation’s requirements.
Using LMEI to Develop Leadership and Enhance Performance
The LMEI identifies which competencies a leader needs to act on to improve his or her performance and whether more or less of a given competency is required relative to the individual’s current level. Advanced statistical modelling identifies the most critical competencies.
The system generates a detailed report outlining key competencies. It also identifies disparities among raters, providing a clear snapshot of current strengths and development needs.
Experts with a proven track record in employment testing developed the system. They include interpretation of the results in the report to help you make informed decisions about training needs and promotional potential.
So contact us today to find out more about how RightPeople’s LMEI can be used to assess and develop your management team.
References and Further Reading
Bracken, D.W., Timmreck, C.W., Fleenor, J.W., & Summers, L. (2001). 360 degree feedback from another angle. Human Resource Management, 40 (1), 3–20.
Eichinger, R.W., & Lombardo, M.M. (2004). Patterns of rater accuracy in 360-degree feedback. Retrieved 25 July, 2011, from: http://www.star360feedback.com/patterns-of-rater-accuracy-in-360-degree-feedback.
Kaplan, R.E., & Kaiser, R.B. (2003). Rethinking a classic distinction in leadership: Implications for the assessment and development of executives. Consulting Psychology Journal: Research and Practice, 55, 15-25.
Maylett, T.M., & Riboldi, J. (2007). Using 360 degree feedback to predict performance. Training & Development, September, 48-52.
Reilly, R., Smither, J.W., & Vasilopoulos, N. (1996). A longitudinal study of upward feedback. Personnel Psychology, 49(3), 599-612.
Walker, A., & Smither, J.W. (1999). A five-year study of upward feedback: what managers do with their results matters. Personnel Psychology, 49(3), 393-423.
