Feedback seeking in groups: A theoretical perspective

The concept of feedback seeking proposed by Ashford & Cummings (1983) is extended by considering the process of feedback seeking when people work in groups. Three issues are considered. First, motives that underlie feedback seeking in groups are identified. Second, the impact of each motive on the level of feedback sought (individual or group); the decision to seek feedback from other group members, people outside the group or from a non-human source; and the decision to seek information publicly or privately are described. Third, implications of feedback seeking for group effectiveness are discussed.