Process Feedback in Task Groups: An Application of Goal Setting

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to test the effects of interpersonal group process feedback on interpersonal behaviors and task performance in task groups. The form of process feedback was based on research findings about characteristics of task feedback that lead to effective goal setting. The feedback resulted in changes in dominance behaviors of individual members. No changes in friendly or emotionally expressive behaviors were found. Feedback had no effect on task performance. The results are discussed in terms of implications for the relationship between feedback and task performance and the stability of interpersonal behavior patterns.