How Attributes of the Feedback Message affect Subsequent Feedback Seeking: The interactive effects of feedback sign and type

Abstract

In the current study, we examined the interactive effects of feedback type and sign on feedback-seeking behaviour, as well as the moderating role of regulatory focus. Using a behavioural measure of feedback seeking, we demonstrated a strong interaction between feedback type and sign, such that individuals subsequently sought the most feedback after they were provided with negative process feedback. Additionally, results suggested that an individual's chronic regulatory focus has implications for his or her feedback seeking behaviour. Overall, our results emphasised the value of negative process feedback, which arguably provides the most diagnostic information for behaviour adjustment and performance improvement.Research and everyday experience demonstrate the value of feedback in helping individuals gain insight into the effectiveness or shortcomings of their performance -in the workplace, the classroom, or even on the ballfield. Despite the valuable information that can be provided through feedback, research has found variable effects of feedback on subsequent performance and motivation (e.g., Kluger & DeNisi, 1996). Individuals actively seek feedback that can guide them to better performance; developing a better understanding as to why people seek positive or negative feedback is important to delineate feedback's motivational effects. A number of researchers have introduced theories regarding the role of feedback sign (i.e., positive or negative feedback), yet this research as a whole has provided inconsistent conclusions (Kluger & DeNisi, 1996). Overall, further research is needed to enhance our understanding of the role that feedback sign plays in feedback seeking (VandeWalle, 2003).Taking feedback type into consideration may offer additional insights on the effect of feedback sign. Whereas outcome feedback merely provides gen-

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