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Published on: August 25, 2023
Feedback and the rationing of time and effort among competing tasks
Gregory B Northcraft1, Aaron M Schmidt, Susan J Ashford
1Department of Business Administration, University of Illinois, IL 61820, USA. northcra@illinois.edu
Abstract:
The study described here tested a model of how characteristics of the feedback environment influence the allocation of resources (time and effort) among competing tasks. Results demonstrated that performers invest more resources on tasks for which higher quality (more timely and more specific) feedback is available; this effect was partially mediated by task salience and task expectancies. Feedback timing and feedback specificity demonstrated both main and interaction effects on resource allocations. Results also demonstrated that performers do better on tasks for which higher quality feedback is available; this effect was mediated by resources allocated to tasks. The practical and theoretical implications of the role of the feedback environment in managing performance are discussed.
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