Similarities and differences in the communicator styles of superiors and subordinates: Relations to subordinate satisfaction

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between superior and subordinate self‐perceptions of communicator styles, and subordinate satisfaction with superiors, system involvement, and career advancement. The communicator styles of 55 superiors from 35 varied organizations were measured. The communicator style, satisfaction with superior, system involvement, and career advancement of 164 of the superiors' subordinates were also assessed. Subordinates' satisfaction was related to being similar to superiors on dramatic and animated communication, and being dissimilar on relaxed, open, and attentive variables. Five communicator style variables significantly discriminated between superiors and subordinates; dominant, impression‐leaving, relaxed, contentious, and dramatic.