Workplace Relationship Quality and Employee Information Experiences

Abstract

This study examined the extent to which the amount and quality of work‐related information employees received was associated with the quality of their relationships with peer co‐workers and their immediate supervisors. Results indicated that supervisor–subordinate relationship quality was positively related to both the amount and quality of information employees received from their immediate supervisor. In addition, employees’ proportions of information peer relationships were negatively related, and their proportions of collegial peer relationships were positively related, to the quality of information they received from their co‐workers. Regression analyses also indicated that the quality of information employees received from their supervisors and co‐workers was positively related to their job satisfaction and commitment to the organization.

Keywords:

• Workplace Relationships
• Leader–Member Exchange Theory
• Information
• Co‐worker Relationships
• Satisfaction
• Organizational Commitment
• Peer Relationships

Notes

[1] The study was conducted as part of a larger organizational communication audit project.

[2] Because of the significant relationship identified between LMX and supervisor information quality and amount, a series of collinearity diagnostics were run prior to the main regression analysis. Results indicated collinearity among these independent variables was of an acceptable level. Specifically, variance inflation factors (VIF) ranged from 2.6 to 3.0, tolerance levels ranged from .33 to .44, and variance proportions ranged from 0 to .55.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Patricia M. Sias

Patricia M. Sias (Ph.D., University of Texas, Austin) is Professor of Communication in the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication at Washington State University. Thanks to Annis Golden and the three anonymous reviewers for their helpful suggestions.