Reducing the Threat of Rater Nonparticipation in 360-Degree Feedback Systems

Abstract

An advantage of 360-degree feedback systems is the removal of idiosyncratic single-source bias inherent in traditional top-down performance appraisal systems. Three-hundred-and-sixty-degree feedback systems assume the existence of representative participation to achieve this end. However, as most 360-degree feedback systems recommend the anonymity of raters, rater participation frequently becomes an issue of choice. To examine if there exist systematic differences in perceptions between raters who choose to participate and raters who choose not to participate in 360-degree feedback systems, data were collected from a 360-degree feedback source particularly vulnerable to the rater choice of nonparticipation-upward appraisals. Results indicated that raters who chose to participate felt more confident regarding the format of the appraisal, felt less pressure to bias their ratings, felt more confident that their ratings were accurate, were more secure in the role of rating superiors, and were more likely to perceive potential outcomes resulting from the process. Implications for managers are discussed.