Feedback in American culture flows in multiple directions, not merely from authority to subordinate. Students evaluate teachers; employees evaluate managers; citizens evaluate officials; customers evaluate businesses. Those who exercise authority are expected to receive feedback from those over whom they exercise it.
The 360-degree review institutionalizes this logic: everyone’s perspective on performance has value. When working with Americans in positions of authority, expect that they will want to provide feedback on your leadership, not just receive direction. Leaders who cannot hear feedback from those they lead seem insecure or authoritarian. Creating channels for upward feedback and responding constructively to it is part of what American leadership requires. Reciprocal feedback reflects democratic values about voice and accountability.
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