Organizational Support for Supervisors = Higher Performing Employees

There is no question that an employee’s immediate supervisor plays a major role in the employee’s overall job satisfaction with the organization. Some studies suggest that satisfaction with one’s supervisor is the strongest predictor of overall employee job satisfaction.

A recent article in the Journal of Applied Psychology studied the importance of supervisors feeling supported by their organization. The authors believed that supervisors who felt supported by their organization would have more positive interactions with their employees and would see better performance from their employees.

Data were collected from full time employees who worked for a chain of large discount electronics and appliance stores. All of the responses were treated confidentially.

The researchers found that their suspicions were correct. Supervisors who believed that their organizations supported them:

1. Felt a stronger obligation to help the organization reach its objectives.
2. Had more positive relationships with their subordinates.
3. Had higher performing work units.

This research demonstrated clearly organizational attention and support to first line supervisors pays for itself in enhanced employee supervisor satisfaction, better supervisor-employee relations, and higher levels employee and unit performance.

What are you doing to make your supervisors feel valued and supported?

– Scontrino-Powell