Beyond feedback: understanding how feedforward can support employee development

Abstract

Purpose Recent research has found that a technique called feedforward interviewing (FFI) can be used to develop employees on the job. Currently the mechanisms and boundary conditions of the FFI-performance relationship are unexplored. Using a positive psychology framework, the purpose of this paper is to discuss how FFI supports the creation of personal and relational resources, and explores the contextual and environmental limits to the effectiveness of the technique. Design/methodology/approach Through a review of the literature as well as examination through appropriate theoretical lenses, moderators of FFI are proposed and the implications for the effectiveness of the technique are examined. Findings The FFI model explored in this paper is rooted in broaden and build theory as well as other theories from the positive psychology literature. Design recommendations and future research directions are discussed. Originality/value Through a scholarly review of the literature, the potential for the effective use of a new developmental technique is explored. Direct guidance on how to apply FFI in organizations is given.