Supervisory communication: The relationship between the use of compliments by supervisors and worker productivity in the shipping industry

A principal aspect of supervisory communication which has received minimal attention by organizational scholars, concerns the effects of complimenting (by the superior) on worker productivity. This study analyzed the relationship between the number of compliments given by supervisors and the effects on subordinate productivity. It was hypothesized that an increased number of compliments by the supervisor (as perceived by subordinates) would be positively correlated with the subordinate's perceived increase in productivity. A second hypothesis predicted that the number of compliments by the supervisor (as perceived by the supervisor) would be positively correlated with the supervisor's perceived increase in subordinate worker productivity. A research question was also proposed inquiring about a difference between ratings of compliments and worker productivity as perceived by subordinates and supervisors. Results of a correlation analysis supported both hypotheses. Additionally, results indicated that there was a significant difference between superiors and subordinates in their ratings of compliments. Implications for these findings and suggestions for future research are offered.