Understanding Subjects and Responders

In a 360-degree feedback project, participants are divided into two key roles: subjects and responders.

Understanding the difference between these roles is essential for setting up your project correctly.

What is a Subject?

A subject is the individual receiving feedback.

Each subject:

• Is evaluated using the questionnaire
• Has responders assigned to provide feedback
• Receives a report based on collected responses

Subjects are the focus of the feedback process.

What is a Responder?

A responder is a person who provides feedback about a subject.

Each responder:

• Completes the questionnaire
• Evaluates one or more subjects
• Contributes to the subject’s report

Responders are selected based on their relationship to the subject.

How Subjects and Responders Work Together

Each subject is linked to a group of responders.

For example:

• One subject
  • Manager
  • Peers
  • Direct reports

Each responder completes the questionnaire, and their responses are combined to create the subject’s report.

Responder Categories

Responders are typically grouped into categories based on their relationship to the subject.

Common categories include:

• Manager
• Peer
• Direct report
• Other

These categories are used to organize and display feedback in reports.

Why This Structure Matters

Separating subjects and responders allows you to:

• Collect feedback from multiple perspectives
• Compare responses across different groups
• Provide more balanced and meaningful insights

This structure is central to how 360-degree feedback works.

Tips for Assigning Roles

• Ensure each subject has an appropriate mix of responders
• Choose responders who can provide meaningful feedback
• Clearly define responder categories
• Avoid assigning responders who may not have enough interaction with the subject

Related Pages

• Adding and Managing Participants
• Responder Categories
• Subject Settings