Supervisor–Subordinate Communication

Effective supervisor–subordinate communication is foundational for member productivity and satisfaction as well as the success and long-term viability of organizations. Supervisor–subordinate interaction serves many functions including information distribution, goal setting, employee development, task coordination, and relationship and commitment building. Research has focused on supervisor characteristics, qualities of the supervisor–subordinate relationship, communication processes and outcomes. Negotiations between supervisors and subordinates also influence role characteristics, role performance, work–life balance, and worker–supervisor satisfaction. Keywords: leadership; organizational behavior; organizational communication; organizational theory; work–life balance; workplace communication