Bormann (1990) has suggested that feedback encourages or discourages group
members from contributing to the task and building relationships. Feedback provides
a means for group members to reduce uncertainty about roles and role behaviors.
According to Role Theory, one critical group activity is orienting members to their
expected or negotiated roles (Benne & Sheets, 1948). Members assume various roles
as part of the task and relational dimensions of group work. Feedback confirms that
role behaviors are appropriate and serves to correct behaviors that are not appropriate
(Katz & Kahn, 1978). Feedback may consist of responses that members give to each
other about group work (sender to receiver) or be self-directed as when members evaluate their own performances (Ilgen, Fisher, & Taylor, 1979). Researchers have
found that employees welcomed feedback concerning the task or self-performance
(Ashford, 1986; Cusella, 1982). As Cusella's (1987) review of feedback research
revealed, feedback about expectations and evaluation of role behaviors offers rich
explanations of how communication helps members to complete tasks and maintain
relationships.