Negative feedback is 'honest'

In some cultures, it is normal to criticize someone directly. In those cultures giving negative feedback is seen as helpful and honest. It is normal to be 'honest', even if you speak to a close friend, or a family member, or a superior. People from direct cultures believe openness is best for everybody. Giving negative feedback is seen as normal in the Netherlands and in France.

Even if direct is 'normal', being negative about someone is not

There are cultures that are direct but where it is NOT normal to give negative feedback directly. An example of such a culture is the United States of America. Americans are used to being direct in their communication. But when you want to criticize someone, you need to be careful.

Negative feedback is never given in a group

In cultures that are indirect (high context), negative feedback is not given directly. One of the worst things you can do is criticize someone in public. That will make someone 'lose face'. We will speak more about the idea of 'losing face' during this course. The Philippines is an example of a culture where people normally will not openly criticize each other in a group.