Ethical considerations for the use of multisource feedback in coaching
The use of multisource (360-degree) feedback has become a routine component of leadership and executive coaching engagements. In practice, multisource feedback is intended to enhance self-awareness and provide direction for developmental activities that improve one’s leadership capability. However, research suggests that this practice does not always produce the intended results. That multisource feedback could have no effect or, worse, a deleterious effect on the person being coached raises ethical issues for the use of such feedback in practice. This chapter outlines three key challenges associated with multisource feedback - recipient readiness, information quality and use, and flawed interpretive assumptions. Questions are provided to help coaches mitigate potential ethical dilemmas associated with these challenges. The chapter concludes with a case study highlighting best practices in the use of multisource feedback.
