DECA Hospitality and Tourism Cluster Practice Exam

Which of the following statements regarding negative feedback is true?

1. The primary purpose is to embarrass the message receiver

2. It reinforces a message receiver's attitude or behavior

3. It expresses disapproval about a specific behavior

4. It points out a person's strengths, as well as weaknesses

The correct answer is: It expresses disapproval about a specific behavior

The statement that expresses disapproval about a specific behavior is considered true regarding negative feedback. This type of feedback is aimed at identifying particular actions or behaviors that are not meeting expectations or standards. The goal of providing negative feedback is to highlight areas that require improvement, focusing on the behavior itself rather than the individual. This approach is crucial in professional and educational settings, as it helps individuals recognize where adjustments are needed to enhance performance. When delivering negative feedback, it is essential to be specific about what behaviors were problematic, guiding the receiver towards understanding and correcting those behaviors. This type of feedback can foster growth and development when communicated thoughtfully, as it offers an opportunity for learning and improvement rather than merely pointing out faults. The other options do not align with the fundamental purpose or nature of negative feedback. For instance, the idea of embarrassing the message receiver is counterproductive and misrepresents the intent of constructive criticism. Similarly, reinforcing a message receiver's attitude or behavior would typically relate to positive feedback rather than negative feedback. Lastly, while identifying strengths is a vital part of balanced feedback, it does not fit within the typical definition of negative feedback, which is primarily focused on addressing areas of concern.