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  • August 2015 (Revised February 2017)
  • Background Note
  • HBS Case Collection

The Whys and Hows of Feedback

By: Boris Groysberg and Robin Abrahams
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:15
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Abstract

Performance feedback is crucial to a career in the information-rich global economy. However, feedback is psychologically stressful to both give, and hear. This teaching note explains why feedback is both valuable and difficult, and goes on to summarize research on effective feedback scenarios. What are the different kinds of feedback? What are the ideal qualities of the feedback giver, and recipient? How do corporate and national culture affect feedback practices? The note ends with a step-by-step "script" for formal feedback situations or performance reviews, with recommendations for both the giver and recipient of the feedback.

Keywords

Feedback; Performance Evaluation; Organizational Culture

Citation

Groysberg, Boris, and Robin Abrahams. "The Whys and Hows of Feedback." Harvard Business School Background Note 416-013, August 2015. (Revised February 2017.)
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About The Author

Boris Groysberg

Organizational Behavior
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Related Work

    • August 2015 (Revised February 2017)
    • Faculty Research

    The Whys and Hows of Feedback

    By: Boris Groysberg and Robin Abrahams
Related Work
  • The Whys and Hows of Feedback By: Boris Groysberg and Robin Abrahams
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