Providing developmental feedback to individuals from different ethnic minority groups using expert systems

Abstract: The paper is an account of a commercially successful and viable expert system entitled FRED (Feedback Reporter Evaluating Development). Expert systems offer a consistent approach to providing feedback to individuals that people with personal biases and emotions may find difficult to achieve. The text used in the expert system is sensitive and carefully worded by a team of skilled professionals, many of whom were from ethnic and cultural minorities. This is especially important when dealing with internal applicants from ethnic minorities as feedback given is consistent, fair, non-judgemental and devoid of possible ethnic prejudices and emotional statements. FRED offers a sensitive, comprehensive and cost-effective method of producing feedback reports for individuals from an ethnic minority and the paper details FRED's design, use and evaluation in an organizational setting. Future research is recommended in utilizing expert systems to provide feedback in assessment and development settings.