What does a 360-degree feedback system involve?

A 360-degree feedback system is designed to gather comprehensive feedback about an employee's performance from a variety of sources rather than a single viewpoint. This typically includes input from peers, subordinates, supervisors, and sometimes external customers or clients. The diverse perspectives provide a more holistic view of the individual's performance, strengths, areas for improvement, and overall impact within the organization.

This method is valuable because it encourages a well-rounded assessment, minimizes biases that can arise from feedback coming from only one source, and promotes a culture of open communication and continuous improvement. By incorporating feedback from multiple sources, employees can gain insights into their performance from various angles, leading to more effective personal and professional development.

In contrast, feedback from just a single supervisor, self-assessment alone, or regular feedback from HR does not provide the multifaceted perspective that a 360-degree feedback system is intended to deliver. These alternative methods may miss important viewpoints and can lead to a narrower understanding of an employee's contribution to the team and organization.