Tit for tat? Linking congruence in receiving and providing coworker feedback to affective trust

Limberg, S.; Tippkemper, L.; Schewe, G.

Zusammenfassung

Purpose: Scholars emphasize the need to investigate the so-called “feedback environment” to better understand feedback processes at work. Given the prevalence of team-based work structures and flattening hierarchies, we focus on the “coworker feedback environment” (CFE). Studies on the CFE lack incorporation of employees’ own behavior toward coworkers, but it is crucial to consider both roles: research subjects as feedback receivers and providers. Hence, we supplement the traditional perspective considering received CFE with perceptions about the provided CFE. Based on this, we discuss CFE (in-)congruence in relation to affective trust.

Design/methodology/approach: Grounded in Social Exchange Theory, we hypothesize a rising ridge asymmetric congruence model. This is tested by cubic polynomial regressions accompanied by response surface analysis based on survey data of 312 employees. Two additional exploratory analyses deepen the insights.

Findings: Our results indicate higher affective trust when CFE behavior is perceived as congruent, along with a rising ridge (i.e. linear level) effect. The less CFE is reciprocated, the lower the affective trust. This was particularly pronounced in the case of under-receiving and reinforced through an employee’s feedback orientation. We also found differences between CFE facets.

Originality/value: This study advances CFE research in terms of both content and methodology by conducting a referent shift and investigating (in-)congruence. We point out promising avenues for future research and offer practitioners valuable insights into feedback relationships.

Schlüsselwörter
Affective trust; Congruence; Coworker; Cubic polynomial regression; Feedback; Feedback environment; Feedback orientation; Reciprocity; Response surface analysis; Trust