A comparison of the feedback sandwich, constructive-positive feedback, and within session feedback for training preference assessment implementation

ABSTRACT

Feedback is an important and effective tool for changing employee behavior. While feedback is generally considered effective, characteristics of its delivery can impact the degree to which it changes behavior. One characteristic that has received increased attention is sequence of positive and constructive comments. While the feedback sandwich (positive – constructive – positive) is commonly used, this sequence has come under recent criticism. The present study compares two sequences of post-session feedback (sandwich, constructive-positive) and a within-session feedback control while training participants to implement a simple behavioral assessment. Within-session feedback produced the highest implementation fidelity during the initial role play, but there were no significant differences by the third and final role-play. There was also no difference in training satisfaction or feedback satisfaction across conditions. Taken together, these findings suggest that sequence of positive and constructive comments may not significantly alter the effectiveness of feedback in the context of training a new skill in an analog setting when multiple practice sessions are utilized.

KEYWORDS:

• Feedback
• feedback sandwich
• feedback sequence
• supervisor feedback
• training

Disclosure statement

On the behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

Notes

1. Additional information regarding the online training or training materials is available upon request.

2. A list of all items on the Self Competency Survey and Feedback Preference Surveys are available upon request. Low Chronbach alpha value for the latter survey is likely related to it comprising only four items.