| This study examines the concepts of supervisory leadership and subordinate motivation. One issue in the exercise is the extent of influence of general organizational structure on the varying dimensions of the major variables. Thus, the study attempts to distinguish between public and private sector organizations and then, in light of the observed distinctive elements comprising each set of organizations, considers the effect of the defined dichotomy on supervisory leadership and subordinate motivation. The empirical results are based on questionnaire responses from a random sample of individual pairings of supervisors and subordinates. The rate of return for this mail survey was 73.3% and the primary statistical techniques used in the analysis, multiple regression.;The inquiry attempts to synthesize several relevant theories including the Contingency and Expectancy Theories as well as various personality and trait theories. It then focuses on the Path-Goal Theory of leadership and aruges that this theory is based on certain linkages between supervisor and subordinate which heretofore have not been examined. The study develops a model describing these linkages and defines concepts fundamental to an understanding to the proposed linkages.;The major hypothesis of the study indicates that higher levels of subordinate motivation occur in situations where the following linkages between supervisor and subordinate exist: (a) the supervisor has knowledge of the reward items that the subordinate values, (b) the supervisor has control over these reward items, (c) the supervisor defines appropriate work behaviors for the subordinate to engage in, and (d) the subordinate expects to receive the valued rewards after engaging in the defined behaviors. Secondary hypotheses suggest differences between public and private organizations in the ability of the supervisor to control reward items, the subordinate's expectation of receiving valued rewards for engaging in appropriate behaviors, and the actual level of subordinate motivation. Results of the study indicate a significant association between the supervisor-subordinate linkages stated above and a construct of subordinate motivation. No significant differences are observed on the specified variables between any organization studied, be they public, private, or otherwise. |
