The Influence of Communication Apprehension on Superiors' Propensity for and Practice of Participative Decision Making

Abstract

This investigation examined if traitlike communication apprehension (CA) serves as a significant predictor of superiors' propensity for and practice of participative decision making (PDM)—that is, involving others in decision-making processes. A total of 219 superiors recruited from a variety of organizations served as participants in this study. Results revealed that traitlike CA is a significant determinant of variation in superiors' inclination for, as well as their actual practice of, PDM. These findings suggest that superiors with lower CA possess favorable perceptions of PDM and are more inclined to involve others in decision-making processes than their colleagues with higher CA. Conversely, results suggest that superiors with higher CA typically possess less favorable perceptions of PDM and are less likely to involve others when making decisions. Theoretical and practical implications underpinning these results are explored. Future research directions are also proposed.

Keywords:

• Collaboration
• Communication Apprehension
• Decision Making
• Participation
• Propensity

Notes

Note. PDM = participative decision making.

*p < .01. **p < .001.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Travis L. Russ

Travis L. Russ (Ph.D., Rutgers University, 2006) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communications & Media Management at Fordham University.