180 degree surveys are the assessment tests set up in organizations which involve the individual himself who is getting tested and a superior. The person rates himself on the basis of where he sees he stands and then asks his superior to rate him on the same. 180 review surveys are different from 360 degree surveys as in 360 degree surveys, the person is rated by everyone in the company who works with him on the daily basis be it his peers, his juniors or his seniors in the company whereas in 180 review surveys, the individual is rated by his peers only and the person who he reports the entire survey to.
The person in this kind of assessment rates himself as well and then compares his rating with the average rating of all those who rate him. This way he gets to know about his weak and strong points and also get to know the hidden strengths he has. This kind of feedback is the best way for an employee to develop and sharpen his trait of self-awareness. This way the employee walks towards the path of success and strive hard to achieve what his seniors in the company expects him to achieve.
The 180 degree assessment is generally conducted for junior and middle management employees. After the rating is done, some developmental plans are designed by the superior and the individual himself, highlighting the areas where he needs improvement and the sources available to him to work on his weak points. This is way he gets aware of his capabilities, weaknesses and strengths. A conclusive report is then prepared mentioning the conclusion of the survey. The duo of manager and the employee discusses the report in the presence or absence of an HR expert and detailed developmental plan is then created for the employee.
The 18 degree performance appraisal is better than 360 degree performance appraisal in a way that it involves lesser number of people and hence consumes lesser time as compared to the 360 performance appraisal. The 360 degree performance appraisal process often becomes annoying and tiresome for all the individuals in the company.