Handbook of Management Scales/Accountability

Accountability (alpha > 0.70)

Description

A multidimensional measure of feedback orientation is developed and validated. This feedback orientation scale (FOS) was developed and refined using two pilot studies and two focal studies. Across these studies, substantial support was found for a four-dimension FOS scale. The four dimensions are utility, accountability, social awareness, and feedback self-efficacy. Study 1 found substantial support for the reliability and validity of the scale. Study 2 provided support for the generalizability of results to a field sample, with five of the six hypotheses retested being supported.

Definition

Feedback orientation is defined as an individual’s overall receptivity to feedback.

Accountability is defined as an individual’s tendency to feel a sense of obligation to act on feedback.

Items

Administer these items using a 5-point scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree.

It is my responsibility to apply feedback to improve my performance.
I hold myself accountable to respond to feedback appropriately.
I don’t feel a sense of closure until I respond to feedback.
If my supervisor gives me feedback, it is my responsibility to respond to it.
I feel obligated to make changes based on feedback.

Source

Linderbaum/Levy (2010): The Development and Validation of the Feedback Orientation Scale (FOS). Journal of Management, Vol. 36, No. 6, pp. 1372-1405.