Please describe the 360 degree (multi-rater) performance feedback. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the 360 degree feedback process?

          The 360-degree (multi-rater) performance feedback is an effective tool that evaluates one's performance. The 360-degree system's purpose is for enhancing one's performance, specifically for individuals who need to improve his or her performance the most (Spector, 2012). This evaluation method incorporates the feedback from an employee, as well as his or her subordinates, superiors, peers, and customers. The tabulated results of this method are normally shared with an employee by his or her manager. With the 360-degree performance feedback, an employee is key to his or her process of evaluation and the goal is to improve his or her performance within the organization he or she works for. Basically, the 360-degree feedback is an assessment tool that seems to only evaluate an individual's performance but it also helps one development and progress. 

         The 360 degree (multi-rater) performance feedback process has several advantages and disadvantages. An advantage of this process is that many organizations experience substantial success with the 360-degree feedback. Another advantage of the 360-degree process is that it is an evaluation process, which allows for feedback form several perspectives. However, a disadvantage is that some feedback may be biassed and research does show that individuals in different positions will display only modest agreement in his or her ratings (Spector, 2012). Further advantages are that the criticisms from the 360-degree feedback are seen as opportunities for one to improve on. Also organizations can use the feedback from the 360-degree process to develop feedback tools based on an organization's values and goals. However, another disadvantage is that some feedback may not link with an organization's values and goals. One other disadvantage is that if an organization poorly implements the 360-degree feedback it can negatively affect an individual's motivation. Yes the 360-degree feedback process has advantages and disadvantages; however, I think that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.               

Reference

Spector, P. E. (2012). Industrial and organizational psychology (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.