Communication Motives, Satisfaction, and Social Support in the Workplace: Are Supervisors Effective Support Sources in Employee Networks?

Abstract

In this study we examine the relationship among supervisors' social support skills, employees' communication motives, and supervisor-subordinate relationship satisfaction. A network approach focuses on the relational tie between actors, as opposed to characteristics of the actors themselves. Using a sample of employees (N=222) from a wide range of occupations, we found that supervisors' emotional, informative, and instrumental social support skills are positively correlated with employees' communication motives of pleasure, affect, inclusion, and relaxation. While network studies suggest the need to navigate one's social web in order to acquire different types of support from different proximate alters, employees herein report attaining emotional, informative, and instrumental support from one singular tie: Their supervisor at work.