Effects of Supervisor Social Influence, Nonverbal Immediacy, and Biological Sex on Subordinates' Perceptions of Job Satisfaction, Liking, and Supervisor Credibility

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of supervisor biological sex, power use, and nonverbal immediacy on subordinates' satisfaction, liking for the supervisor, and perceptions of the supervisors' credibility. After viewing video scenarios of male and female supervisors engaging in nonverbally immediate (or nonimmediate) and prosocial (or antisocial) power use, subordinates reported perceptions of satisfaction, affect, and credibility. Results of the 2 × 2 × 2 experimental design indicated significant main effects for supervisor prosocial power and nonverbal immediacy. Although there were interaction effects, the variance accounted for was minimal. Supervisor prosocial power use and nonverbal immediacy were positively and significantly related to subordinates' self-reported satisfaction, liking for the supervisor, and work enjoyment. Supervisor biological sex did not show a relationship to any of the criterion variables. This study demonstrates that supervisors should maintain nonverbal immediacy and frame prosocial-type messages to preserve their credibility in the workplace.

Keywords:

• Supervisor-Subordinate Communication
• Subordinate Satisfaction
• Supervisor Credibility
• Supervisor Power
• Organizational Communication
• Workplace Relationship

The author wishes to acknowledge and thank three individuals, Ev Avara, Melanie Sanders, and Krista Anderson, for their roles as actors in the experimental video scenarios. An earlier version of this manuscript was presented at the annual convention of the National Communication Association, November, 2006, San Antonio, Texas.

Notes

Note. Means with the same subscript on the same manipulation check are significantly different at (at least) the .05 level of confidence.

Note. Means with the same subscript on the same dependent variable are significantly different at (at least) the .01 level.

Note. Means with the same subscript on the same dependent variable are significantly different at (at least) the .01 level.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jason J. Teven

Jason J. Teven (Ed.D., West Virginia University, 1998) is an associate professor in the Department of Human Communication Studies at California State University, Fullerton, CA 92834.