Press Release

A new research study completed in May 2001

Proves that 360º Feedback Does Lead to Improved Productivity.

View PDF

SAN FRANCISCO, Cal. - (June 26, 2001) - A new research study completed in May 2001 by Personnel Decisions International (PDI) and Personnel Decisions Research Institutes (PDRI) shows that providing managers with 360° feedback improved their performance. The greatest improvement was observed in participants' leadership and management behaviors. The research was released at the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) International Conference and Exposition.

Participants in the study, 515 managers at a large manufacturing company, went through a developmental 360° feedback process on two occasions as part of the organization's leadership development system. The managers and their bosses, direct reports and peers provided ratings during both sessions, which were conducted an average of 26 months apart.

"We found that the average performance ratings from the second session had improved for all skills and all raters," said Maynard Goff, Ph.D., vice president of research services at PDI. "If you make the practical assumption that the behaviors measured by the feedback process directly relate to productivity, the change represents a significant improvement in the participants' productivity."

The greatest improvement in performance was found in two areas of behavior: leadership, which includes coaching and motivating, providing feedback, and empowering others, and management, which includes articulating goals for the group, organizing people to work on those goals, monitoring progress, and problem solving.

"It is important to recognize the role 360° feedback plays in development," said Goff. "Our research shows that 360° feedback, while important, is not sufficient to guarantee development. While the process does provide insight to individuals about how others view their leadership capabilities, they must also be motivated to improve, have opportunities to learn and practice new skills, and be held accountable for their development in order for real improvement to occur."

For more information about PDI's 360° feedback tools and processes or to receive a copy of this research report, e-mail PDI Client Relations at moreinfo@personneldecisions.com or telephone +1.800.633.4410 (U.S.) or +1.612.904.5170

ABOUT PERSONNEL DECISIONS INTERNATIONAL

PDI helps organizations worldwide improve their performance and achieve strategic results through people. They partner with their clients to:

• Understand the talent implications of their strategies;
• Design and implement solutions that improve individual leadership and organizational performance; and
• Accelerate change and drive lasting improvement throughout the organization.

Specific areas of expertise help clients:

• Improve talent decisions by accurately measuring performance readiness and potential;
• Develop strategy, utilizing information collected through "voice of the customer" feedback systems;
• Enhance sales effectiveness, including people development and implementation of strategic account management programs;
• Recognize and retain top talent, through the design or enhancing of talent management systems;
• Ensure they can execute their business strategies, by defining the performance and capabilities required; and
• Develop leadership capabilities.

For more information, contact PDI client relations at 920-997-6995 (in the U.S. 800-633-4410) or visit PDI's Web site at www.personneldecisions.com.