Introducing 360‐degree feedback: the benefits and pitfalls

Abstract

Considers the benefits and pitfalls of 360‐degree feedback – drawing from experiences at British Petroleum (BP) and current thinking at British Aerospace (BAe), Brough. A distinction is made between “assessment” and “development” (necessary for understanding what appraisal is trying to achieve) and the different forms of appraisal – downward, upward, peer and self – are defined. The BAe Brough appraisal scheme is outlined and reference made to a “Manager as a Developer” training programme where the notion of 360‐degree feedback is being considered. Suggests there are 11 key issues that should be considered when introducing upward appraisal and that most of these also apply to peer appraisal and self appraisal. The BP scheme is used as a model for contrasting the author′s own views and those of his BAe colleagues. Concludes by warning of the dangers associated with 360‐degree feedback and favours, in most instances, an “informal, voluntary, qualitative” approach.