Hierarchical Level, Length, and Quality of Supervisory Relationship as Predictors of Subordinates' Use of Maintenance Tactics

Maintenance of the supervisory relationship is perhaps the most important communication objective pursued by subordinates. This study examined variations in the maintenance tactics used by 511 working adults as a function of three relational variables that include a) position of the relationship in the organizational hierarchy, b) length of the relationship, and (c) relationship quality. Results indicated that subordinates who have hierarchical position power reported more Direct maintenance tactic use than did lowest level subordinates. Length of the relationship had no effect on maintenance tactic choice. Subordinates in high quality relationships reported more extensive use of Personal and Contractual tactics. Regulative tactics were used by subordinates in lower quality relationships.