Does Multisource Feedback Really Work?
Multi-rater or multisource feedback (MSF) assessments have gained popularity during the past decade. Numerous studies point to their effectiveness in improving performance, boosting employee satisfaction, creating engagement at work, and decreasing subordinate turnover. Used appropriately, they can provide individuals with insights about their performance and behavior from the viewpoints of their colleagues, subordinates, and leader. But used inappropriately they can be ineffective, especially if the wrong assessment is used, if there is a lack of an actionable plan to respond to the feedback, or if there is a lack of accountability or follow-through. And many practitioners debate the best purpose for multi-rater assessments.