How supervisors communicatively convey immediacy to subordinates: An exploratory qualitative investigation

This study examined supervisory communication patterns used to indicate immediacy towards subordinates. Data was qualitatively obtained from MBA students who participated in focus group interview sessions. Verbatim responses were coded revealing eleven immediacy categories. The categories were as follows: verbal/ nonverbal attentiveness (opposite), confidence in subordinate ability (opposite), values subordinate input on job and/or personal matters (opposite), personal interest in the subordinate, verbal appreciation for commendable work, willingness to assist subordinates, puts down the subordinate, and verbal/nonverbal control of communication environment. Implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are offered.

Key concepts:

• Immediacy
• Organizational Communication
• Qualitative
• Focus Group Interview