360-Degree Feedback: Integrating Business Know-How with Social Work Values

Abstract

As the field of social work administration evolves, practitioners are increasingly expected to pull from management theory and to integrate business methods with social work values to meet not-for-profit missions. This article explores one management tool called 360-degree feedback, the factors that contribute to and hinder its successful implementation, and its potential use by social work administrators in a not-for-profit setting. If used appropriately, 360-degree feedback can increase self-awareness, promote skill development, and foster a collaborative organizational culture—outcomes that reflect social work values and ethics.

KEYWORDS:

• professional development
• organizational culture
• value-based management
• staff management
• staff development
• self-awareness
• not-for-profit administration
• social work administration

The author would like to thank Dr. Margaret Adamek and Dr. Robert Bennett for reviewing this manuscript in its various forms and for offering constructive feedback.