Volume 29, Issue 4, 2020
DOI: 10.24205/03276716.2020.834
The Influence of Feedback Orientation on Feedback Seeking Behaviour: The Perspective of Tait Activation Theory
Abstract
Based on trait activation theory, this paper attempted to investigate the impact of employees’ feedback orientation on their feedback seeking behaviors, and examine the moderating roles of positive and negative feedback. Using hierarchical linear modeling and data collected from 238 Chinese supervisor–subordinate dyads working at a large manufacturing company to verify the above conceptual model and research hypothesis. Empirical findings demonstrated that feedback orientation of employees had positive influence on their feedback seeking behaviors. Besides, positive feedback positively moderated the influence of employees’ feedback orientation on their feedback seeking behaviors. And, negative feedback negatively moderated the influence of employees’ feedback orientation on their feedback seeking behaviors. The conclusions enrich the theories and practices on how feedback orientation, positive and negative feedback affect feedback seeking behavior.
Keywords
Trait activation theory, Feedback orientation, Feedback seeking behavior, Positive and negative feedback