October 2007 Newsletter
Welcome to the PageUp October Newsletter
This month the newsletter will cover:
- Using 360 degree feedback in the Australian Market
- PageUp News ��,��?o New interactive module to target generation Y
- Opinion Poll and results from last month
- Website photo
- Tell us what you think
Using 360 degree feedback in the Australian Market
360 degree feedback, also known as multi-rater or multisource feedback1, is used to enhance the quality of feedback given to employees. Differing to the long established method whereby a manager provides feedback to the subordinate, the 360 degree feedback process is more comprehensive in nature. The feedback encompasses reviews from subordinates, peers, managers, clients and even suppliers. Results can be used a) as part of the performance management process by providing input on competencies and behaviors, and b) for developmental purposes by identifying areas for training and development.
Like most tools, there have been questions surrounding the suitability of 360 degree feedback in performance appraisals. However used correctly, the benefits of the tool now heralded as ��,��"one of the most popular human resource interventions��,�2 in the last decade are numerous. Such benefits include the:
- Realignment of employee behaviour to organisational goals by developing individual competencies to better support strategic needs.
- Enhancing employee satisfaction by facilitating procedural justice. The 360 Feedback is fair, transparent and inclusive. Everybody is involved: peers, subordinates, managers, suppliers and customers.
- Increased workforce efficiency by flagging areas which need improvement and highlighting strengths.
In early 2007 an article in the Australian Financial Review3 estimated that 50-60% of Australian organisations used 360 degree feedback. This is in contrast to the USA where 90% of Fortune 1000 companies use 360 degree feedback for personnel development. A more recent survey conducted by PageUp on the Top 100 Australian companies in June 2007, paints a different picture. Results of the PageUp survey indicate that 78% of respondents use 360 degree feedback. Whilst the survey did not assess whether the use of the tool was for developmental purposes or performance assessment, these results suggest that uptake within the Australian market may be higher than previously thought.
Forty-three percent of respondents stated that they implemented 360 degree feedback across all levels of their organisation. A further 43% of respondents use the tool at managerial level, while 10% use it only within specific divisions. A variety of reasons were provided by respondents for companies who do not currently use 360 degree feedback. These include either not fully understanding the benefits of the tool, or being unconvinced of its potential effectiveness. Additionally the time taken to implement the program was seen as a drawback.
All respondents to the PageUp survey used technology to assist the review process. Despite this, 86% of respondents were interested in looking at other technological solutions, thus raising the question of satisfaction with current technology providers. Reasons for looking toward other providers included the system being very slow, or inflexible, and an inability to support the process for whole-of-business.
Like any other HR process, 360 degree feedback provides the greatest value when it is used as part of a holistic approach rather than as a stand alone process. The Australian companies surveyed used a number of developmental initiatives including company specific development programs (70%), executive coaching (67%), mentoring/ buddy program (44%), and development centres (15%).
360 degree feedback provides information on individuals��,��"� strengths and weakness as seen from multiple points of view. However, to use 360 degree feedback effectively you need to leverage technology. The sheer number of people involved and volume of documents to be combined and reconciled makes an automated system a necessity4. Results should be able to be fully integrated into the performance management or development processes.
Regardless of whether it is used for developmental purposes alone, or as part of the performance management process 360 degree feedback is a valuable tool.
PageUp launches web-based 360 product
PageUp announced the global launch of its online competency development tool, ��,��o360��,��"� in early October. PageUp��,��"�s sophisticated technology aligns the development outcomes with the organisational competency framework. The 360 solution can be integrated with some or all other PageUp People talent management solutions or stand alone. PageUp��,��"�s 360 development tool is underpinned by consulting services to assist organisations maximise their training and development capabilities.
Should you be interested in hearing more about PageUp��,��"�s 360 solution, please contact your closest PageUp office.
PageUp News
PageUp launches new interactive module to target generation Y
PageUp unveiled enhanced functionality to the recruitment module, Microsite, to target generation Y candidates during September. The module of the PageUp People Recruitment solution, now called Microsite Interactive, uses Web 2.0 technology, the latest in the building of today��,��"�s recruitment technology.
Microsite Interactive incorporates popular online features including blogs, online chat and networking forums used specifically to engage individuals online. PageUp has taken advantage of this technology to enhance employer branding on career websites.
PageUp partnered with Alcan to enhance the module. Manager of Alcan Careers, Kristle Wedrat, says that simply being online is not enough to reach the young audience. ��,��"Our aim was to be at the forefront of this technology by using global online chatrooms to link students from all over Alcan to talk with each other and build relationships. These chats will be regularly attended by Alcan guest speakers and include invitations for external students to learn more about our business. Online forums will play a critical role in providing students and graduates with the opportunity to discuss learning��,��"�s and specific topics which relate to the program.��,�
Results��,��
��,�� of last month��,��"�s opinion poll ��,��oHow do you think your careers website measures up against best practice?��,��"� are in.16% of respondents thought their careers website measures up against best practice fairly well, 28% thought average and 56% thought below average.
PageUp��,��"�s September Sydney breakfast presentation of Employer Branding - Career Websites ASX150 & Best Practice Guidelines, presented by Employer Brand expert Brett Minchington was very well attended. There are several spaces still available for this breakfast being held in Melbourne on 30/10/07, so get in early and contact Rachel Dobney at racheld@pageuppeople.com to secure your place.
If you would like more information on this topic, please visit out last newsletter, written by Brett Minchington by accessing it at our website.
Opinion Poll - Vote now!
��,��"Do you currently use 360 degree feedback as part of your development process��,� Cast your vote now at www.pageuppeople.com
Website photos
If you would be interested in having your photos from around the world on the PageUp home page, please email them to enquiries@pageup.com.au
Tell us what you think
We��,��"�d love to hear what you think of this issue! Please send your comments, questions, and ideas for upcoming issues to us at: enquiries@pageup.com.au. Your feedback matters to us!
