To get the most from any 360 degree feedback programme, one of the things participants or employers need to do is to select the right respondents to provide feedback and group them appropriately.

How the selection is made will depend on the organisaton, the position, and the individual being reviewed but there are a few important tips that should be followed.

Feedback will need to be gathered from from a number of sources, typically these will include manager, peers, subordinates and other people that the candidate normally works with.

However, this can be an over simplification and by giving the process a little extra thought, better results can be achieved.

Things to consider include:

• Where does the respondent sit the hierarchy of the organisation? How well do they know the subject and would the candidate trust their?
• Do those selected see the subject in a range of situations? If they do they will be able to reflect on the person’s whole behaviour, not just a small part of it.
• Is the organisation one where formal relationships matter, or even exist? If they do, which ones are most important and why?

The way in which rater groups are used can vary dramatically from organisation to organisation and job role to job role. For more detailed advice on selecting respondents and understanding rater groups, view our factsheet at: http://www.appraisal360.co.uk/uploads/factsheet_3.pdf