The Importance of the Interpersonal Relationship between First-Line Supervisor and Subordinate

Abstract

This study involves a first attempt at answering the question, 'Should the sub ordinate whose personality is similar to that of the supervisor be managed differently from the employee whose personality is different from that of the supervisor?' The study compares the similarities and dissimilarities of supervisors and subordinates in tendencies to be authoritarian. The assumption is that people with different personalities tend to interact differently and have different interpersonal relation ships. If this is true, such different interpersonal relationships might well call for different leadership styles or behaviour.

The results of this study reveal such personality differences and indicate that where certain of them exist, supervisors should handle subordinates differently. In addition, suggestions are given for additional research needed to substantiate or repudiate these findings.