Chapter 12 Making Observations and Giving Feedback

Feedback • Information about quantity or quality of group’s work • • • • Assessment about group effectiveness Evaluations of members’ performance Generated by the group for the group Serves as an error detection device Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 1

Why is Feedback Needed?

 Feedback helps members understand how their group works and how to make it work better  Feedback overcomes attribution bias • General feedback if positive • • • Specific feedback if negative Personal responsibility if successful Deny personal responsibility if not successful more  2 Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press

Why is Feedback Needed?

 Helps group function more effectively  Decreases opportunity for social loading  Enhances member identification with group  Positive feedback • Enhances member satisfaction • • Creates belief that the group is competent Sets off positive spiral Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 3

Levels and Types of Feedback

Levels of Feedback Types of Feedback

 Task and procedural  Relational  Individual  Group  Descriptive  Evaluative  Prescriptive Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 4

Observing the Group

 Audiotaping or videotaping the group • • Only for use by group members Focus on the group, not individuals  Interaction diagram • • Who talks to whom Analyze the communication network • Look for subgroups Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 5

Starting a Group Feedback System

 Ease group into the feedback process  Explain the concept and benefits of feedback  Be a role model  Emphasize positive and constructive feedback  Set aside meeting time for feedback Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 6

Giving Feedback

 Strive for awareness, not blaming  Should be motivational  Focus on communication skills, not personalities   Give specific examples Don’t assume your view reflects others’ views  All members should participate in the process Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 7