Feedback Orientation, Feedback Culture, and the Longitudinal Performance Management Process
London, M & Smither, J. W. (2001). Human Resource Management Review. Vol. 12, No. 1.
This paper conceptualizes feedback as part of a longitudinal performance management process influenced by, and contributing
to, the individual's feedback orientation and the organization's feedback culture. Feedback orientation refers to an
individual's overall receptivity to feedback, including comfort with feedback, tendency to seek feedback and process it
mindfully, and the likelihood of acting on the feedback to guide behavior change and performance improvement. Feedback
culture refers to the organization's support for feedback, including nonthreatening, behaviorally focused feedback,
coaching to help interpret and use feedback, and a strong link between performance improvement and valued outcomes.
Critical events direct attention to the value of feedback and thereby start a performance management cycle of receiving,
absorbing, and applying feedback in the following days, weeks, and months. Human resource research and practice need to
measure feedback orientation and culture and capture longitudinal feedback processes to better understand and influence
the effects of feedback on self-awareness, self-confidence, and job performance.
