Relational Communication Messages and Leadership Styles in Supervisor/Employee Relationships

Abstract

The relational communication messages of intimacy and dominance were used to predict a task and relationship leadership style in supervisors. In the study, 307 participants working in various industries completed measures of relational communication and leadership styles about their direct supervisor. As predicted, intimacy messages were positively related to a relationship-oriented leadership style and dominance messages were positively related to a task-oriented leadership style. Intimacy messages were also linked to a task-oriented style and dominance messages were linked to relationship-oriented style. Regression analysis determined that receptivity/trust was the best predictor of a relationship-oriented style and influence was the best predictor of a task-oriented style. Overall, results demonstrate the need for both intimacy and dominance messages across leadership styles.