Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

First Advisor

Karen Blanchard

Abstract

A 360 degree assessment is an assessment tool that can be used in a cultural audit to identify the perceptions of a subject and the subject's subordinates, colleagues, peers and managers. The results visually map the attitudinal trends of the respondent pool.

The assessment solicits input from individuals who work in a collective environment. This provides a focus on the needs and perceptions of the individual. This method of collecting data is in concert with new management styles in the U.S. which are focusing on quality programs that emphasize the contributions of the individual employee.

The instrument itself describes hypothetical scenarios that involve the subject of the assessment. The scenarios depict situations involving the subject's sensitivity to and awareness of cultural groups in the workplace. Respondents are asked if they have observed the subject in such a scenario and, if so, to rate the subject's behavior in the scenario. The subject of the assessment is also a respondent and is asked to rate his or her own behavior in the scenarios. Scores are compiled and a comparison drawn between the subject's score and an average of the other respondent's scores. The final data identifies how the subject is perceived with regard to his or her strengths and weaknesses regarding sensitivity to and awareness of the needs of cultural groups in the workplace.

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations

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