When Americans deliver negative feedback, they expect it to be “constructive”—oriented toward improvement rather than mere judgment. Criticism should be specific enough to act upon, focused on behavior rather than character, and paired with guidance for improvement. The phrase “constructive criticism” does significant cultural work, distinguishing helpful evaluation from harmful attack. Criticism that merely tears down without building up is culturally illegitimate regardless of its accuracy.
This means feedback-givers bear responsibility not just for being right but for being useful—providing information that enables the recipient to improve. When working with Americans, ensure your critical feedback explains what would be better, not just what is wrong. Criticism without a path forward will often be perceived as unhelpful at best, hostile at worst.
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