Content and Process of Survey Feedback Sessions and Their Relation to Survey Responses: An Initial Study

Abstract

A survey feedback program in a large underground mining company provided group-level data on 11 attitude survey clusters and feedback session ratings, including participants'task/process orientations, estimates of time spent on problem-solving components, and estimates of time devoted to topical themes. The emotional direction of feedback sessions was found to be positive and problem-centered supporting the contention that feedback meetings are constructive and work-related. Comparisons of work groups at different organizational levels and in varying functions supported the hypothesis that structural factors affect the way groups behave in feedback meetings. Demographic features also showed some relationship to feedback meeting activities. Finally, relationships between survey clusters and ratings of feedback activities supported the idea that, depending on the group's survey profile, different processes and themes may emerge in feedback.