Is external benchmarking useful with 360?

by Fawkes
(Sydney)

Have to say surely all 360 surveys are by there very nature full of bias.
Surely this is the point isn't it ? They allow a participant to compare their biases with other peoples
Also most surveys don't even attempt to use a statistically valid sample so what is the point of benchmarking against an external norm group?
My CEO is interested in benchmarking but I have my doubts

I have to say in my experience external benchmaking for 360's feels like pseudo-science. A 360 is really trying to adopt a systems perspective of a particually unique situation at a specific time. Its value is about the local system and the range of perspectives and relationships it covers. It is about how the leader's world view is changed or not as a result of feedback and what different actions they get into.

The more I have used these approaches over the years the conclusion I am leaning towards is it is actually more about the quality of relationships in the workplace rather than any particular behaviour.

Anybody got another perspective? and how can I persuade my CEO a low cost local version will do just as well?