Subordinates' perceptions of managerial behaviors while under job strain: Do subordinates prefer more task-oriented behaviors when under stress

Certain leadership styles, or behaviors, have been linked with decreased job stress levels for followers or subordinates. The purpose of the current study is to integrate the stress and leadership research; more specifically, to identify a link between followers' stressors and strain and their preferences for specific supervisor behaviors that support their job performance and well-being. Specifically, it is hypothesized that followers who are under a high amount of strain will prefer more task oriented behaviors from their leader, whereas followers who are under a lower amount of strain will prefer more relationship and change oriented behaviors. The results did not show support for the hypotheses, but instead suggested that followers may disengage from their leaders when under a high amount of stress. Implications and future directions are discussed.