The Process of Supervision in the Context of Motivation Theory.
Abstract
A review of some of the basic approaches to the study of supervision in organizations leads to the conclusion that the behavioristic methodology of searching for temporal and spatial correlations between assessed events without establishing specific connections to theoretical networks has provided an inadequate basis for the understanding of the nature of supervision. A process approach to supervision which is emerging in the literature is presented. This approach combines the leadership dimensions of consideration and initiating structure with the path-goal theory of motivation. Data collected among supervisors and subordinates in a manufacturing plant for an exploratory study testing assumption about the psychological meaning of these dimensions in terms of a path-goal theory are presented. It is suggested that the current assumptions underlying the process approach to supervision are too simplistic and an argument is made for the need for construct validation of the leadership concept. A conceptual framework which integrates supervision with valence-instrumentality-expectancy theory of worker motivation, influence and power is outlined. Emphasis is put on the construction of a theoretical network within which the questions of the leadership and supervision process should be examined. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0764586
Entities
People
- H. Peter Dachler
- Tove H. Hammer
Organizations
- University of Maryland