Feedback, a powerful lever in teams: A review

Educational Research Review

Volumn 7, Issue 2, 2012, Pages 123-144

  Gabelica, Catherine ^a   Bossche, Piet Van den ^a,b   Segers, Mien ^a   Gijselaers, Wim ^a  

^a MAASTRICHT UNIVERSITY   (Netherlands)

^b UNIVERSITY OF ANTWERP   (Belgium)

Author keywords

Feedback; Performance feedback; Process feedback; Review of the literature; Teams

Indexed keywords

EID: 84861182292     PISSN: 1747938X     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1016/j.edurev.2011.11.003     Document Type: Review

References (98)

1. Akkerman S., Van den Bossche P., Admiraal W., Gijselaers W., Segers M., Simons R.-J., et al. Reconsidering group cognition: From conceptual confusion to a boundary area between cognitive and socio-cultural perspectives?. Educational Research Review 2006, 2(1):39-63.
2. Alvero A., Bucklin B., Austin J. An objective review of the effectiveness and essential characteristics of performance feedback in organizational settings (1985-1998). Journal of Organizational Behavior Management 2001, 21:3-30.
3. Austin J., Kessler M.L., Riccobono J.E., Bailey J.S. Using feedback and reinforcement to improve the performance and safety of a roofing crew. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management 1996, 16(2):49-75. (*).
4. Bailey L.L., Thompson R.C. The Effects of Performance Feedback on Air Traffic Control Team Coordination: A Simulation Study (Rep. No. DOT/FAA/AM00/25) 2000, Office of Aviation Medicine, Washington, DC, (*).
5. Balcazar F.E., Shupert M.K., Daniels A.C., Mawhinney T.C., Hopkins B.O. An objective review and analysis of ten years of publication. Organizational Behavior Management 1989, 10:7-38.
6. Bartram D., Roe R.A. Individual and organizational factors in competence acquisition. The Learning Potential of the Workplace 2008, Sense Publishers, Rotterdam. W. Nijhof (Ed.).
7. Barr S.H., Conlon E.J. Effects of distribution of feedback in work groups. Academy of Management Journal 1994, 37:641-655. (*).
8. Barron B. Achieving coordination in collaborative problem-solving groups. The Journal of the Learning Sciences 2000, 9:403-436.
9. Becker E.A., Goodwin E.M. Methods to improve teaching interdisciplinary teamwork through computer conferencing. Journal of Allied Health, Fall 2005, 34(3):169-176. (*).
10. Berkowitz L., Levy B.I. Pride in group performance and group task motivation. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology 1956, 53:300-306. (*).
11. Boud D. Sustainable assessment: rethinking assessment for the learning society. Studies in Continuing Education 2000, 2(22):151-167.
12. Brannick M.T., Prince C., Salas E. Can PC-based systems enhance teamwork in the cockpit?. The International Journal of Aviation Psychology 2005, 15(2):173-187. (*).
13. Burgio L.D., Engel B.T., Hawkins A., McCormick K., Scheve A. A staff management system for maintaining improvements in continence with elderly nursing home residents. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis 1990, 23:111-118. (*).
14. Burnstein W.W., Wolff P.C. Shaping of three-man teams on a multiple DRL-DRH schedule using collective reinforcement. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior 1964, 7:191-199. (*).
15. Cook D.M. The impact of managers of frequency of feedback. Academy of Management Journal 1968, 11:263-277. (*).
16. DeChurch L.A., Mesmer-Magnus J.R. The cognitive underpinnings of team effectiveness: A meta-analysis. Journal of Applied Psychology 2010, 95(1):32-53.
17. Decuyper S., Dochy F., Van den Bossche P. Grasping the dynamic complexity of team learning: An integrative model for effective team learning in organizations. Educational Research Review 2010, 5:111-133.
18. Denson R.W. Team Training: Literature Review and Annotated Bibliography 1981, Air Force Human Resources Laboratory, Brooks Air Force Base, TX.
19. DeShon R.P., Kozlowski S.W.J., Schmidt A.M., Milner K.R., Wiechmann D. A multiple-goal, multilevel model of feedback effects on the regulation of individual and team performance. Journal of Applied Psychology 2004, 89(6):1035-1056. (*).
20. Devine D.J. A review and integration of classification systems relevant to teams in organizations. Groups Dynamics 2002, 6:291-310.
21. Dewett T. Towards an Interactionist Theory of Group-Level Feedback. Management research news 2003, 26(10-11):1-121.
22. Dickinson T.L., McIntyre R.M. A conceptual framework for teamwork measurement. Team Performance and Measurement: Theory, Methods, and Applications 1997, 19-43. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Mahwah, NJ. M.T. Brannick, E. Salas, C. Prince (Eds.).
23. Dillenbourg P. What do you mean by collaborative learning?. Collaborative learning: Cognitive and Computational Approaches 1999, 1-19. Elsevier, Oxford. P. Dillenbourg (Ed.).
24. Doerr K.H., Mitchell T.R., Klastorin T.D., Brown K.A. Impact of material flow policies and goals on job outcomes. Journal of Applied Psychology 1996, 81:142-152. (*).
25. Dominick P.G., Reilly R.R., McGourty J. The effects of peer feedback on team member behavior. Group and Organization Management 1997, 22:508-520.
26. Druskat V.U., Kayes D.C. Learning versus performance in short-term project teams. Small Group Research 2000, 31(3):328-353.
27. Edmondson A.C., Dillon J., Roloff K.S. Three perspectives on team learning outcome improvement, task mastery, and group process. The Academy of Management Annals 2008, 1:269-314.
28. Ellsworth R.B. Feedback: Asset or liability in improving treatment effectiveness?. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 1973, 40:383-393.
29. Gear T.E., Marsh N.R., Sargent P. Semi-automated feedback and team behavior. Human Relations 1985, 38(8):707-721. (*).
30. Geister S., Konradt U., Hertel G. Effects of process feedback on motivation, satisfaction and performance in virtual teams. Small Group Research 2006, 37(5):449-489.
31. Goltz S.M., Citera M., Jensen M., Favero J., Komaki J.L. Individual feedback: Does it enhance effects of group feedback?. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management 1989, 10(2):77-92. (*).
32. Guzzo R.A., Jette R.D., Katzell R.A. The effects of psychologically based intervention programs on worker productivity: A meta-analysis. Personnel Psychology 1985, 38(2):275-291.
33. Hackman J.R. The design of work teams. Handbook of organizational behavior (pp. 315-342) 1987, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ. J.W. Lorsch (Ed.).
34. Harmon J., Rohrbaugh J. Social judgment analysis and small group decision making: Cognitive feedback effects on individual and collective performance. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes 1990, 46:34-54. (*).
35. Hattie, J. (1999). Influences on student learning. Inaugural lecture. Professor of Education. University of Auckland.
36. Hattie J., Timperley H. The power of feedback. Review of Educational Research 2007, 77(1):81-112.
37. Henry R.A., Strickland O.J., Yorges S.L., Ladd D. Helping groups determine their most accurate member: The role of outcome feedback. Journal of Applied Social Psychology 1996, 26:1153-1170. (*).
38. Hey A.H., Pietruschka S., Bungard W., Joens I. Feedback as a supporting system for work groups. 67 Innovative theories, tools, and practices in work and organizational psychology 2000, 125-140. Hogrefe & Huber Publishers, Seattle, WA, (*). M. Vartiainen, F. Avallone, N. Anderson (Eds.).
39. Hinsz V.B., Tindale R.S., Vollrath D.A. The emerging conception of groups as information processors. Psychological Bulletin 1997, 121:43-64.
40. Hoegl M., Parboteeah K.P. Team goal commitment in innovative projects. International Journal of Innovation Management 2006, 10(3):299-324. (*).
41. Hollenbeck J.R., Ilgen D.R., Lepine J.A., Colquitt J.A., Hedlund J. Extending the multilevel theory of team decision making: effects of feedback and experience in hierarchical teams. Academy of Management Journal 1998, 41(3):269-282. (*).
42. Hunter, P. E. (2006). Viability of the Job Characteristics Model in a team environment: prediction of job satisfaction and potential moderators. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of North Texas, Texas. (*).
43. Hyrkas K., Lehti K. Continuous quality improvement through team supervision supported by self-monitoring of work and systematic patient feedback. Journal of Nursing Management 2003, 11:177-188. (*).
44. Ilgen D.R., Fisher C.D., Taylor M.S. Consequences of individual feedback on behavior in organizations. Journal of Applied Psychology 1979, 64:349-371.
45. Ivancevich J.M., McMahon J.T. The effects of goal setting, external feedback, self-generated feedback on outcome variables: A field experiment. Academy of management journal 1982, 25(2):359-372. (*).
46. Johnston, W. A.,& Nawrocki, L.H. (1966). Effect of simulated team feedback on the performance of good and poor trackers. Air Force Office of Scientific Research Technical Report No. 66-2541. (*).
47. Johnston W.A. Individual performance and self evaluation in a simulated team. Organizational Behavior and Human Performance 1967, 2:309-328. (*).
48. Jung D.I., Sosik J.J. Effects of group characteristics on work group performance. A longitudinal investigation. Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice 1999, 3:279-290. (*).
49. Jung D.I., Sosik J.J. Group potency and collective efficacy: Examining their predictive validity, level of analysis, and effects of performance feedback on future group performance. Group & Organization Management 2003, 28:366-391. (*).
50. Kernaghan J.A., Cooke R.A. Teamwork in planning innovative projects: improving group performance by rational and interpersonal interventions in group process. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management 1990, 37(2):109-116. (*).
51. Kerr N.L., Messé L.M., Park E.S., Sambolec E. Identifiably, performance feedback and the Köhler effect. Group Processes and Intergroup Relations 2005, 8(4):375-390. (*).
52. Kirschner, P. A. (2009). Epistemology or pedagogy, that is the question. In: S. Tobias & T. M. Duffy (eds.), Constructivist theory applied to instruction: Success or failure? Routledge.
53. Kim J.S., Hamner W.C. Effect of performance feedback and goal setting on productivity and satisfaction in an organizational setting. Journal of Applied Psychology 1976, 61:48-57.
54. Klaus D.J., Glaser R. Reinforcement determinants of team proficiency. Organizational Behavior and Human Performance 1970, 5:33-67. (*).
55. Kluger A.N., DeNisi A. The effects of feedback interventions on performance. A historical review, a meta-analysis, and a preliminary feedback intervention theory. Psychological Bulletin 1996, 119:254-284.
56. Komaki J.L., Goltz S.M. Within-group research designs: Going beyond program evaluation questions. Handbook of organizational performance. Behavior analysis and management 2001, 81-137. The Haworth Press, Inc, Binghamton, NY. C.M. Johnson, W.K. Redmon, T.C. Mawhinney (Eds.).
57. Kozlowski S.W.J., Ilgen D.R. Enhancing the effectiveness of work groups and teams. Psychological Science in the Public Interest 2006, 7:77-124.
58. Locke E.A., Latham G.P. A theory of goal setting and task performance 1990, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
59. London M. Job feedback: Giving, seeking, and using feedback for performance improvement 2003, Lawrence Erlbaum, Mahwah, NJ. 2nd ed.
60. London M., Polzer J.T., Omoregie H. Interpersonal congruence, transactive memory, and feedback processes: An integrative model of group learning. Human Resource Development Review 2005, 4(2):114-135.
61. London M., Sessa V.I. Group feedback for continuous learning. Human Ressource Development Review 2006, 5(3):1-27.
62. Marks M.A., Mathieu J.E., Zaccaro S.J. A temporally based framework and taxonomy of team processes. Academy of Management Review 2001, 26(3):356-376.
63. Mathieu J., Maynard M.T., Rapp T., Gilson L. Team effectiveness 1997-2007: a review of recent advancements and a glimpse into the future. Journal of Management 2008, 34:410-476.
64. Matsui T., Kakuyama T., Onglatco L.U. Effects of goals and feedback on performance in groups. Journal of Applied Psychology 1987, 72:407-415. (*).
65. McGrath J.E. Time, interaction and performance (TIP): A theory of groups. Small Group Research 1991, 22:147-174.
66. McGrath J.E., Arrow H., Berdahl J. The study of groups: Past, present, and future. Personality & Social Psychology Review 2000, 4(1):95-105.
67. McLeod P.L., Liker J.K., Lobel S.A. Process feedback in task groups: An application of goal setting. Journal of Applied Behavioral Science 1992, 28:15-52. (*).
68. Mento A., Steel R.P., Karren R.J. A meta-analytic study of the effects of goal setting on task performance: 1966-1984. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes 1987, 39:52-83.
69. Mesch D.J., Farh J.L., Podsakoff P.M. Effects of feedback sign on group goal setting, strategies, and performance. Group and Organization Management 1994, 19:309-333. (*).
70. Moreland R.L., Myaskovsky L. Exploring the performance benefits of group training: Transactive memory or improved communication?. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes 2000, 82:117-133. (*).
71. Morgan, B. Jr., Glickman, A., Woodard, E., Blaiwes, A., & Salas, E. (1986). Measurement of team behaviors in a navy environment (NTSC TR-86-014). Orlando, FL: Naval Training Systems Center.
72. Nadler D.A. The effects of feedback on task group behavior: a review of the experimental research. Organization Behavior and Human Performance 1979, 23:309-338.
73. Neubert M.J. The Value of Feedback and Goal Setting Over Goal Setting Alone and Potential Moderators of This Effect: A Meta-analysis. Human Performance 1998, 11:321-335.
74. Passos A.M., Caetano A. Exploring the effects of intragroup conflict and past performance feedback on team effectiveness. Journal of Managerial Psychology 2005, 20:231-244. (*).
75. Peterson R.S., Behfar K.J. The dynamic relationship between performance feedback, trust, and conflict in groups: A longitudinal study. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes 2003, 92:102-112. (*).
76. Philo, J.R. (2004). An examination of team reactions to negative performance feedback and their relationship to team performance. Doctoral dissertation, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from (*). http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/1555.
77. Pritchard R.D., Jones S.D., Roth P.L., Stuebing K.K., Ekeberg S.E. The effects of feedback, goal setting, and incentives on organizational productivity. Journal of Applied Psychology (Monograph Series) 1988, 73:337-358. (*).
78. Prussia G.E., Kinicki A.J. A motivational investigation of group effectiveness using social- cognitive theory. Journal of Applied Psychology 1996, 81:187-198. (*).
79. Quigley, N. R. (2003). The relationship between leader core self-evaluations, team feedback, leader efficacy, transformational leadership, team efficacy, team goals, team action and transition processes, and team performance. Doctoral dissertation, University of Maryland. (*).
80. Roberts, M. K. (2000). Performance measurement, feedback, and rewards processes in research and development work teams: Effects on perceptions of performance. Doctoral dissertation, University of North Texas, Texas. (*).
81. Roschelle J., Teasley S.D. Construction of shared knowledge in collaborative problem solving. Computer-supported collaborative learning 1995, 69-97. Springer-Verlag, New York. C. O'Malley (Ed.).
82. Rosenberg S., Hall M.L. The effects of different social feedback conditions upon performance in dyadic teams. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology 1958, 57:271-277. (*).
83. Rummel N., Spada H. Learning to collaborate: an instructional approach to promoting collaborative problem solving in computer-mediated settings. The Journal of the Learning Sciences 2005, 14(2):201-241.
84. Scott-Young, C & Samson, D. (2006). Modeling Team Efficacy in Capital Projects: An Exploratory Study. Best Paper Proceedings, 2006 Academy of Management Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA. (*).
85. Sengupta K., Te'eni D. Cognitive feedback in GDSS: Improving control and convergence. MIS Quarterly 1993, 17(1):87-114. (*).
86. Sivunen A. Strengthening identification with the team in virtual teams: The leaders' perspective. Group Decision and Negotiation 2006, 15:345-366. (*).
87. Smith K.H. Changes in group structure through individual and group feedback. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 1972, 24:425-428. (*).
88. Smith-Jentsch K.A., Salas E., Baker D.P. Training team performance-related assertiveness. Personnel Psychology 1996, 49:909-936. (*).
89. Sniezek J.A., May D.R., Sawyer J.E. Social uncertainty and interdependence. A study of resource allocation decisions in groups. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes 1990, 46:155-180. (*).
90. Spoelders-Claes R. Small group effectiveness on an administrative task as influenced by knowledge of results and sex composition of the group. European Journal of Social Psychology 1973, 3:389-402. (*).
91. Stone T.H. Effects of mode of organization and feedback level on creative task groups. Journal of Applied Psychology 1971, 55:324-330. (*).
92. Staw B.M. Attribution of the " causes" of performance. A general alternative interpretation of cross-sectional research on organizations. Organizational Behavior and Human Performance 1975, 13:414-432. (*).
93. Tindale R.S., Kulik C.T., Scott L.A. Individual and group feedback and performance. An attributional perspective. Basic and Applied Social Psychology 1991, 12:41-62. (*).
94. Tindale R.S. Group vs individual information processing: The effects of outcome feedback on decision making. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes 1989, 44:454-473. (*).
95. Varca P.E., Levy J. Individual differences in response to unfavorable group feedback. Organizational Behavior and Human Performance 1984, 33:100-111. (*).
96. Voelker M.I. Effects of feedback and competition on behavior change, task strategy, and task performance in problem-solving groups 2003, Marquette University, (*).
97. Walter F., Van der Vegt G.S. Harnessing positive mood for team learning facilitation: The role of perceived team feedback 2009, Academy of Management Conference, Chicago, IL, (*).
98. Zander A., Wolfe D. Administrative rewards and coordination among committee members. Administrative Science Quarterly 1964, 9:50-69. (*).