Followers’ Perceptions of Positive Communication Practices in Leadership: What Matters and Surprisingly What Does Not

Abstract

Using the model of positive communication as a guiding framework, this study explored which specific prosocial behaviors best explained a relationship- or task-oriented leadership style. Examining data gathered from 359 participants working in various industries, regression analyses revealed that listening behaviors and inspirational actions were meaningful for both relationship- and task-oriented leaders; however, complimenting emerged as particularly salient for relationship-oriented leadership styles whereas asking was significant for task-oriented leadership styles. Interestingly, followers’ age, race-ethnicity, and gender did not impact their perceptions of leader’s positive communication practices. The implications of these findings for leadership training, particularly in an increasingly diverse workforce, are discussed.

Keywords

leadership styles positive communication relational messages relationship-oriented leadership supervisor communication task-oriented leadership

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