This study by Subodha Kumar and colleagues examines how requesting real-time feedback influences employee evaluations. Using data from approximately 11,000 feedback exchanges across four organizations, the authors find that employees who seek feedback tend to receive lower scores but more detailed, subjective, and positively framed comments. Those who ask for feedback are also more likely to value thoughtful input over high ratings and to seek feedback again, even after receiving low scores. The study also finds that anonymous feedback givers tend to leave short or no comments. These results suggest that feedback-seeking supports deeper communication, encourages learning, and helps sustain a feedback-oriented workplace culture.
Seek and Ye Shall Find: An Empirical Examination of the Effects of Seeking Real-Time Feedback on Employee Performance Evaluations
