This investigation was designed to identify and describe perceived commu
nicator style characteristics which may be systematically associated with
managerial performance. Independent evaluations of communicator style
and performance were oblained for 105 managers from two different
organizations. "Outstanding" and "definitely above average " managers, in
terms of performance, were perceived by superiors, subordinates, and
peers as qualitalively different in certain aspects of their communicator
slyle. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of a "con
tingency " approach to "managing. "
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