Managers’ attitudes towards giving negative feedback in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Providing negative performance feedback to employees is a complex and difficult task that all managers and supervisors face in their roles. This research employs qualitative design to investigate managers’ attitudes towards giving negative feedback to staff. Seventeen managers from two organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand participated in audio-recorded semi-structured interviews. The findings show high levels of stress and various negative emotions associated with giving negative and critical feedback. While many participants in the study indicate that they have been exposed to some coaching on providing negative feedback, more detailed and consistent training, mentoring, and coaching are recommended.