Feedback is a circular causal process whereby some proportion of a system's output is returned (fed back) to the input. This is often used to control the dynamic behavior of the system. Examples of feedback can be found in most complex systems, such as engineering, architecture, economics, thermodynamics, and biology. In organizations, feedback is a process of sharing observations, concerns and suggestions between persons or divisions of the organization with an intention of improving both personal and organizational performance. Types of feedback are:
positive feedback: which seeks to increase the output that caused it, as in a nuclear chain-reaction. This is also known as a self-reinforcing loop.
negative feedback: which seeks to cancel the output that caused it, as in a thermostat-controlled heater. This is also known as a self-correcting or balancing loop.
The terms negative and positive feedback can be used less formally to describe or imply criticism and praise, respectively. This may lead to confusion with the terms positive and negative reinforcement.
In organizations, feedback is a process of sharing observations, concerns and suggestions between persons or divisions of the organization with an intention of improving both personal and organizational performance.
Types of feedback are:
- positive feedback: which seeks to increase the output that caused it, as in a nuclear chain-reaction. This is also known as a self-reinforcing loop.
- negative feedback: which seeks to cancel the output that caused it, as in a thermostat-controlled heater. This is also known as a self-correcting or balancing loop.
The terms negative and positive feedback can be used less formally to describe or imply criticism and praise, respectively. This may lead to confusion with the terms positive and negative reinforcement.