Ethical Implementation of 360-Degree Feedback in Behavior Analysis

Applying the Ethical Code

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Ethics Code serves as a guiding framework for behavior analysts. While it does not explicitly address 360-degree feedback, its principles are highly relevant. 

These principles include responsibility to clients, accountability, practicing within scope of competence, providing ongoing supervision, obtaining informed consent, and frequent performance monitoring and feedback. Behavior analysts must consider these ethical guidelines when implementing 360-degree feedback to ensure that the process respects ethical standards and contributes to the well-being of clients and the professionalism of the field. Here is how 360 feedback ties into the BACB’s ethics codes:

• Responsibility to Clients (3.01): One of the core principles of the BACB Ethics Code is ensuring the welfare and best interests of clients. When using 360-degree feedback, behavior analysts should consider the impact on clients and ensure that the feedback process aligns with the best interests of clients.

• Accountability (1.03): The ethics code for accountability in behavior analysis emphasizes the professional responsibility of behavior analysts to act in an honest, transparent, and competent manner. When implementing 360-degree feedback, behavior analysts are accountable for conducting the process in accordance with ethical guidelines. This accountability ensures the integrity of the feedback process and the ethical practice of behavior analysis.

• Practicing within Scope of Competence (1.05): The BACB Ethics Code places a strong emphasis on maintaining competence through ongoing professional development. Feedback received through 360-degree assessments can help behavior analysts identify areas where additional training or skill development is needed to maintain competence in their practice.

• Providing Supervision and Training (4.06): For behavior analysts providing supervision, the BACB Ethics Code outlines specific guidelines for ethical supervision practices. Feedback collected from supervisees through 360-degree assessments can inform supervision practices and ensure that they align with ethical standards.

• Obtaining Informed Consent (2.11): The BACB Ethics Code addresses the importance of transparency in practices and obtaining informed consent from clients and stakeholders. When using 360-degree feedback, behavior analysts must communicate the purpose and process clearly to participants and ensure their informed consent.

• Performance Monitoring and Feedback (4.08): Behavior analysts engage in performance monitoring and performance feedback through use of ongoing documentation, evidence-based data collection, observations, and structured evaluations of their supervisees or trainees. 360-degree feedback ensures that BCBA’s maintain competence, adhere to ethical standards, and continuously enhance their professional skills. 

Behavior analysts should use 360-degree feedback in a manner that aligns with these ethical principles, ensuring that it respects the best interests of clients, maintains professional behavior, ethical behavior, promotes ongoing competence, and accountability.

Final thoughts

360-degree feedback is a powerful tool for behavior analysts, providing a comprehensive assessment of their performance from various perspectives, including clients, colleagues, stakeholders, supervisees, and supervisors. Its significance lies in its capacity to support continuous learning, self-awareness, and ethical practice. This feedback system reinforces effective behaviors and promotes accountability, ultimately improving the quality of services and client outcomes in behavior analysis. Incorporating 360-degree feedback into behavior analysis practice should be done thoughtfully and systematically. When implemented effectively, it enhances professional development, improves performance, and aligns with ethical standards, ultimately benefiting both ABA professionals and the clients they serve.

Sources:

Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2020). Ethics code for behavior analysts. https://bacb.com/wp-content/ethics-code-for-behavior-analysts/ Copyright © 2020, BACB®, All rights reserved.

Green, B. (2002). Listening to leaders: Feedback on 360-degree feedback one year later. Organization Development Journal, 20(1), 8-16. Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/listening-leaders-feedback-on-360-degree-one-year/docview/197970951/se-2

Luthans, F., & Peterson, S. J. (2003). 360‐degree feedback with systematic coaching: Empirical analysis suggests a winning combination. Human Resource Management: Published in Cooperation with the School of Business Administration, The University of Michigan and in alliance with the Society of Human Resources Management, 42(3), 243-256.