JOURNAL ARTICLE

The promise and perils of AI in 360-degree feedback analysis: An empirical comparison with human experts.

  • Published In: Assessment & Development Matters, 2026, v. 18, n. 1. P. 44 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Mahoney-Phillips, John; Gibbes, Carla 3 of 3

Abstract

This article evaluates the comparative performance of an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) platform and two independent PhD-level occupational psychologists in analyzing 360-degree feedback data for a high-potential leader using the HighPo360 instrument. The study finds that AI excels in systematic coverage, quantitative precision, thematic clustering of qualitative comments, and rapid extraction of verbatim feedback, while human experts provide critical contextual interpretation, behavioral depth, and scenario-specific coaching recommendations. The dataset's complexity, involving multi-source quantitative ratings and diverse qualitative feedback, revealed meaningful differences between AI and human analyses, with AI sometimes missing subtleties in group dynamics and organizational politics. The findings support a hybrid approach that combines AI's efficiency with human expertise to optimize leadership development and 360-degree feedback processes.

Additional Information

  • Source:Assessment & Development Matters. 2026/03, Vol. 18, Issue 1, p44
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Business and Management
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:2040-4069
  • DOI:10.53841/bpsadm.2026.18.1.44
  • Accession Number:192432480
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