Why is confidentiality important when using 360-degree feedback?
People appreciate feedback. But when confidentiality isn’t assured, fear and distrust can disrupt a 360 project. Many people see feedback as criticism. Performance evaluations are typically used to make compensation and personnel decisions. Protecting confidentiality will assure that 360-degree feedback is seen as a beneficial practice. Maintaining confidentiality Keeping feedback reports confidential means that the feedback recipient controls who sees his or her feedback. Usually it’s best if the report compiler and the individual receiving feedback are the only two people who handle the report. Unless people trust those who will handle the reports, feedback receivers and providers may doubt the confidentiality. If participants don’t trust internal administrators or facilitators, an external agent can be retained to prepare the reports off-site. Only one copy of the report should be prepared, and it should be delivered to the recipient in a sealed, labeled envelope marked confidential
