The 360 questionnaire in the context of a family business is a structured feedback tool designed to foster mutual understanding, transparency, and trust among family members involved in the business. It helps clarify perceptions about roles, responsibilities, leadership, communication, and overall dynamics within the family enterprise.
This tool is typically composed of three main parts:
Part 1: Nomination of Participants
To identify which family members will participate in the 360 process, and who will be evaluated by whom.
1. Initial Questionnaire Distribution
The buyer will receive a questionnaire to nominate all the participants in the assessment.
2. Data Collection & Setup
Once nomination form is submitted all participants will receive a customised assessment, starting the second part.
Part 2: 360-Degree Evaluation Questionnaire
To gather confidential peer feedback about each participant’s contributions, behavior, and perceived role within the family and/or business.
1. Survey Distribution
- Each participant receives a personalized questionnaire with a list of other nominated family members.
- For each listed family member, the respondent provides feedback on predefined categories such as leadership, communication, decision-making or conflict resolution
2. Anonymity & Confidentiality
- Feedback is collected anonymously to ensure honesty
- No individual response is attributed directly to a person in the final report
- The goal is constructive reflection, not criticism
Part 3: Reporting Phase
After all questionnaires are submitted, the results are analyzed and compiled into two types of reports, identifying the family members using our framework:
1. Group Report
- Provides an aggregate view of how the family perceives roles and relationships within the business
- Highlights:
- Areas of strong alignment across the family
- Areas of misunderstanding or confusion
- General insights into family dynamics, cohesion, and strategic alignment
- Used as a basis for facilitated conversations, governance planning, or succession discussions
2. Individual Reports
Comparison between self-perception and family perception. Each participant receives a personalized report showing:
- How others in the family perceive their role, strengths, and behaviors
- Summary of feedback across the categories listed above
- Comments or insights (if open-ended questions were included)