Argumentativeness and affirming communicator style as predictors of satisfaction/dissatisfaction with subordinates

Abstract

While previous research has focused on the communication characteristics of superiors which predict their subordinates’ satisfaction, this study investigated subordinates’ communication and satisfaction with the subordinate from the perspective of the superior. Superiors from a variety of organizations rated the communicator style and argumentativeness and verbal aggressiveness of a subordinate with whom they were either satisfied, dissatisfied, or undecided regarding the subordinate's job performance. The results supported a hypothesis about affirming communicator style and satisfactory subordinate job performance, and also a counterintuitive prediction about how argumentativeness relates to appraisal of subordinates.

Key concepts:

• Argumentativeness
• Superior‐subordinate communication
• Satisfaction with subordinates
• Argumentativeness and satisfaction
• Argumentativeness and affirming style