EFFECTS OF FEEDBACK ON TASK GROUP-BEHAVIOR - REVIEW OF THE EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH

Experimental research on the cueing and motivational effects of feedback on behavior in task groups is reviewed. The impact of feedback is seen as contingent on several factors including the nature of the feedback information (including level of aggregation, task/process focus, and evaluative content), the process of using feedback, individual differences among group members, and group task structure. Feedback is seen as contingently leading to affective and cognitive outcomes, including level of attraction to the group, pride in the group, motivation, defensive feelings, and acceptance of group problems. Feedback is also seen as potentially leading to behavioral outcomes such as task performance, membership behavior, and coping behavior. A preliminary model of the impact of feedback is constructed. © 1979.