Filling the Performance Gap: Overcoming the Bambi Effect

Abstract

The Bambi Effect is failing to provide any feedback, particularly negative feedback. Performance ratings are higher for employees who report receiving more frequent and more specific performance communication from their supervisors. Feedback, particularly negative feedback, is important as it can enable employees to correct their performance. Nevertheless, many managers seem to struggle most with the final and perhaps most important step of the performance review process—providing feedback—especially when the feedback is negative. This conceptual article suggests methods for addressing this issue. The feed forward interview (FFI) or future-focused feedback approach has been suggested as a way to eliminate bias and improve performance. The use of artificial intelligence has potential and expert systems have considerable promise. So, FFI is a partial solution, AI has future potential, and ESs in conjunction with training should close the performance gap and reduce or possibly eliminate the Bambi Effect.