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COMMUNICATION IN SUCCESSFUL AND UNSUCCESSFUL SUPERIOR-SUBORDINATE RELATIONSHIP EMERGENCE DURING SOCIALIZATION
Abstract
This exploratory investigation of critical incidents examined communication in superior-subordinate relationship emergence during the socialization/assimilation of a new role holder into organizational activity. Results reveal that five communicative dimensions constituting relational and content oriented messages function differently in forming successful compared to unsuccessful new vertical dyadic task relationships, with relational messages being of greater importance than content oriented communication. Supportive communication occurs most frequently in successful relationship formation, followed by intimate communication exchange. To a lesser degree, noncontrolling interaction, competence messages and job clarification also occur in successful relationship emergence. Additionally, the present study reveals that the presence or absence of relational and content communication constitutes four distinct communication patterns during superior-subordinate relationship emergence. Integrated patterns containing both relational and content oriented communication are highly successful, typically stabilizing within the first month. Negotiated patterns including relational but not content communication are also successful, but require longer time for development. Constrained patterns containing content oriented communication but lacking relational elements are less successful than the above. Collapsed relationships containing neither relational nor content oriented communication are the least successful, and take the most time to stabilize. Examination of contextual considerations reveals that gender composition may not impact on communication or relationship outcomes during socialization. However, new vertical situations into which members are placed do affect potential outcomes for success. The greatest success occurs when subordinates are new to their roles, with less success when superiors are new. Successful relationship emergence occurs least in situations where a previous relationship had existed between interactants, either as friends or peers, and requires the longest time to stabilize. The present study contains implications for theoretical development in task compared to nontask interpersonal relationship formation, and offers practical implications for organizational participants. Limitations and conclusions of the present study suggest future research examine relationship movement forward and backward within and between communicative patterns, plus communication in situations requiring a shift from previous relationships.
Subject Area
Communication
Recommended Citation
LARSEN-LEWIS, JANET KNUTSON, "COMMUNICATION IN SUCCESSFUL AND UNSUCCESSFUL SUPERIOR-SUBORDINATE RELATIONSHIP EMERGENCE DURING SOCIALIZATION" (1986). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI8704556.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI8704556