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Antecedents to supportive supervision: An examination of biographical data
Author(s) -
PaustianUnderdahl Samantha C.,
Shanock Linda R.,
Rogelberg Steven G.,
W. Scott Cliff,
Justice Logan,
Altman David G.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of occupational and organizational psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.257
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 2044-8325
pISSN - 0963-1798
DOI - 10.1111/joop.12019
Subject(s) - psychology , supervisor , personality , interpersonal relationship , interpersonal communication , variety (cybernetics) , social psychology , social skills , social support , applied psychology , developmental psychology , management , artificial intelligence , computer science , economics
The purpose of this study was to contribute to the limited body of knowledge of antecedents to supervisor support by utilizing the ecology model to explore the biographical information that differentiates highly supportive supervisors from those who are less supportive. We analysed qualitative biographical data from 65 supervisors rated as highly supportive and 63 supervisors rated as less supportive by their subordinates, comparing and contrasting their personality characteristics, work experiences, and life experiences. We found that highly supportive supervisors were more likely to see themselves as being warm and sociable, to think that their communication and leadership skills were their key strengths, and they were more involved in a variety of social and professional groups than less supportive supervisors. Supportive supervision is one way organizations can inexpensively work to build the job skills, abilities, and the interpersonal skills of organizational members. On the basis of the findings of this study, we propose some ways in which an organization can hire and develop supervisors to be more supportive. Practitioner points Utilizing the ecology model as a framework, potential antecedents to supervisor supportiveness are examined. Implications for research and practice related to developing and selecting for supportive supervision are discussed.