Negative feedback and employee job performance: Moderating role of the Big Five

We used hierarchical linear regression analysis to test the relationship between negative feedback and employee job performance, and explored the moderating role of the Big Five personality traits in this relationship. Participants were 357 supervisor–subordinate dyads in China; subordinates responded to negative feedback and Big Five personality traits measures, and direct supervisors rated their employees’ job performance. Results showed that negative feedback was negatively related to employee job performance, and that the Big Five personality traits moderated this relationship. Specifically, the strength of the negative relationship between negative feedback and job performance was reduced as extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, emotional stability, and conscientiousness increased. Implications for management and theory are discussed.