An Examination of the Ideal Immediate Supervisor and Subordinate

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the nature of the ideal supervisor and subordinate, then to compare the two concepts. The study showed that for both the ideal is one who is perceived as extremely competent, quite safe, extroverted, and emotionally stable, as well as slightly similar to his counterpart in attitudes and values, but neutral in background and appear ance. Furthermore, it was shown that for at least one-half of the individual criteria used in establishing these overall ideal qualities, there are differen tial expectations, with the supervisor almost without exception expected to reach a higher level of standards than the subordinate.