Typically when we talk about the results of a 360 Degree Evaluation, we are looking at quantitative information. But should that the extent of information gathered?
Quantitative results are essential to the 360 Degree Evaluation process, undoubtedly. The evaluations are often based on a scale from 1 to 5, so we can get a concrete valuation of performance. This is especially helpful because we can compare these results year-over-year, for example. And as we have discussed, the 360 Degree Evaluations really become valuable when they are conducted periodically. So its clear that the quantitative information is essential to the process.
But the other piece of the puzzle is qualitative feedback. By encouraging participants to include comments with each quantitative answer, you can get an entirely different perspective on the ratings. These comments typically expound upon the numeric rating, explaining the reasoning behind the answer, and this provides an entirely new layer that would not exist if the quantitative answer stood on its own.
We have found that the qualitative comments-based feedback of the 360 Degree Evaluations is sometimes the most useful for enacting change within an organization. But the quantitative numeric information is essential for contextualization the 360 Degree Evaluation periodically. So, ultimately, both of these aspects are vital to a successful 360 Degree Evaluation process.