One study puts the use of multi-rater reviews, also known as 360 degree reviews, at 90 percent. This type of review gathers reactions from multiple sources. Those sources include the employee, manager, co-workers, staff members, and sometimes customers. The idea being that these individuals will provide insights and their collective comments will provide greater feedback for the recipient.
This is exactly the reason that multi-rate reviews are popular. In a traditional performance review, the manager only provides one point of view. Sometimes an employee will reject the feedback because it comes from just one person. If the same feedback comes from 4 or 5 people, the employee might be more inclined to address it.
Another reason involves employees who develop reputations for keeping the boss happy but they wreak havoc on their colleagues and team. Same with customers. There are managers who are adored by customers adored and abhorred by employees.
The key to using a multi-rater review process successfully is understanding what it can and can’t do. There are some clear advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
Encourages professional development for the employee and the raters. One of the first things that comes to mind when thinking of multi-rater reviews is professional development. This is an opportunity to use feedback at every level of the organization to help an individual develop their talents. It does mean that training should be conducted so the feedback being provided is constructive.
Provides self-awareness from every level of the organization. One of the best things about a multi-rater review is that you receive feedback on several levels – not just your boss. It makes you very aware that being successful isn’t just about making the boss happy. Success is about working with your team, colleagues, and even customers.
Offers anonymous feedback. The fact that the feedback is confidential can be a good thing. It’s possible that something will be revealed that might not surface in a face-to-face setting. It’s also possible that one comment from a single person wouldn’t receive the same consideration. A 360 might surface something that is noticed by several people.
Disadvantages
Use it for the right reasons. One of the biggest mistakes with any type of profile or assessment is when it’s used for the wrong purpose - not for which it was designed. Resist the temptation to say, “We love ABC profile for this. So let’s use it for that (or everything).” That will be a mistake.
Understand global laws and nuances. This isn’t really a disadvantage as much as it is a word of caution. Multi-rater reviews are subject to different country laws and best cultural practices. So it would clearly be a disadvantage to the company and the individual if the multi-rater review process was not designed and delivered with a proper global mindset.
Create a culture that makes it comfortable. In most cases, the multi-rater review supplies anonymous feedback. The recipient doesn’t know who said what. This type of arrangement cannot become a mechanism for biting comments. While anonymity can be a good thing, it’s not an excuse for delivering bad feedback.
Multi-rater reviews offer individuals and organizations a unique opportunity for enhanced feedback. To capitalize on the opportunity, the organization must clearly define the objectives, train the raters, and design a process that encourages open discussion.
Sharlyn Lauby is an author, writer, speaker and consultant. She is president of ITM Group Inc., a consulting firm which focuses on developing training solutions that engage and retain talent in the workplace. She's previously served as a member of SHRM’s Membership Advisory Committee (MAC) and Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility special expertise panel.
She is equally well-known for her work on HR Bartender, a friendly place to talk about workplace issues. The site has been recognized as one of the “Top 5 Blogs HR Pros Love to Read” by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Sharlyn is the author of two best-selling books published by SHRM: “Manager Onboarding: 5 Steps for Setting New Leaders Up for Success” and “The Recruiter’s Handbook: A Complete Guide for Sourcing, Selecting, and Engaging the Best Talent”, which are available on Amazon.
Her personal goal in life is to find the best cheeseburger on the planet.
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