Correlates of satisfaction with performance appraisal feedback

The relative lack of research on employees’ reactions to performance appraisal feedback is the primary impetus for this study which advances this important, but neglected, research area by investigating potential predictors and consequences of satisfaction with appraisal feedback. Survey responses from 112 employees were matched with their performance ratings from two different appraisal periods to test specific hypotheses. Results indicate that satisfaction with rater and previous performance ratings influence employees’ satisfaction with appraisal feedback. Satisfaction with appraisal feedback was positively related to job satisfaction and organizational commitment and negatively related to turnover intentions. Supervisory status moderated the relationship between satisfaction with appraisal feedback and subsequent performance such that the relationship existed only for supervisory employees who, in addition to receiving feedback about their own performance, also provided feedback to their subordinates. Implications of results for researchers and practitioners are discussed.