Cultural Differences in the Motivation to Seek Performance Feedback: A Comparative Policy-Capturing Study

We examined differences in the motivation to directly seek performance feedback between Canadian (n = 72) and Chinese (n = 64) participants using a policy-capturing methodology. Results generally support the premise that the motivation to seek performance feedback varies as a function of national culture. Compared to Canadians, image-defense motivation was more predictive of (a) the importance placed on feedback source, and (b) whether feedback is sought in public, for feedback-seeking decisions among Chinese participants. Ego-defense motivation was more predictive of the importance placed on feedback valence for feedback-seeking decisions among Canadian participants than among those from China. We discuss the implications of the study findings and consider future research directions.