BADM 532_Discussion 9
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School
University of the Cumberlands *
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Course
532
Subject
Communications
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
4
Uploaded by shrey2508
Title: The Impact of Supervisor's Communication Style on Employee Motivation
Introduction
Communication is a vital aspect of leadership within an organization, and the style a supervisor uses can significantly influence employee motivation and productivity. This response explores the potential reactions and implications if a supervisor were to use an aggressive rather than an assertive communication style to motivate an employee to be more productive, and the reasons behind these reactions. It is essential to note that aggressive and assertive communication styles are distinct in their approach, and their impact on employee motivation can be substantially different.
Reactions to an Aggressive Communication Style
An aggressive communication style often involves making demands, using criticism or negative feedback, and sometimes resorting to intimidation to achieve specific goals. If a supervisor were to employ this style to motivate me to be more productive, my reactions would likely include:
1.
Defensiveness
: An aggressive communication style can trigger defensiveness in employees. When confronted with criticism or harsh demands, the natural response is to become defensive. In this state, employees may focus more on justifying their actions or protecting themselves, rather than on improving productivity.
2.
Resentment
: Aggressive communication can breed resentment. When employees feel
unfairly attacked or threatened, it can lead to negative feelings towards the supervisor.
Such resentment can affect employee morale and overall job satisfaction.
3.
Stress and Anxiety
: An aggressive communication style can create stress and anxiety
for employees. The fear of facing constant criticism or consequences for not meeting
expectations can lead to elevated stress levels, which can have adverse effects on both
mental and physical health.
4.
Resistance
: Instead of motivating employees, an aggressive communication style often results in resistance to change or improvement efforts. When employees feel that their ideas and concerns are not valued and they are being coerced into productivity, they may become less willing to collaborate and make an extra effort.
5.
Decreased Productivity
: Paradoxically, an aggressive communication style is unlikely to achieve the intended goal of increased productivity. The negative emotions
it generates can reduce an employee's motivation and, in the long run, hinder their performance.
Reasons for Reactions
The reactions outlined above stem from the inherent characteristics of an aggressive communication style. It disregards the principles of effective communication and human motivation, which are essential in a leadership role. The reasons for these reactions include:
1.
Violation of Psychological Safety
: Aggressive communication erodes the psychological safety necessary for employees to take calculated risks, be innovative, and contribute their best efforts. When employees feel attacked or threatened, they are
less likely to be open and creative.
2.
Lack of Trust
: Trust is fundamental in any supervisor-employee relationship. Aggressive communication erodes trust, as employees may perceive the supervisor as unapproachable or uninterested in their well-being.
3.
Emotional Impact
: Aggressive communication takes an emotional toll on employees.
It can lead to feelings of humiliation, shame, and anxiety, which are detrimental to an employee's well-being and job satisfaction.
4.
Short-Term Focus
: Aggressive communication tends to be short-term in its approach, focusing on immediate compliance rather than long-term commitment. This
approach may force employees to meet immediate demands, but it does not foster sustained motivation or dedication.
Contrast with an Assertive Communication Style
In contrast, an assertive communication style is characterized by open, honest, and respectful communication. An assertive supervisor provides feedback and sets expectations, but does so in a way that encourages dialogue, values the employee's perspective, and promotes growth and development. In an assertive communication environment, reactions such as defensiveness, resentment, stress, and resistance are less likely to occur, and employee motivation tends to be positively impacted.
Conclusion
Effective communication is at the heart of successful leadership and employee motivation. An aggressive communication style, while it may yield short-term compliance, is more likely to result in long-term negative consequences, including decreased productivity, damaged relationships, and employee dissatisfaction. In contrast, an assertive communication style fosters a healthier work environment, where employees feel valued and motivated to contribute their best efforts. It is imperative for supervisors to recognize the significant impact their communication style can have on employee motivation and adjust their approach
accordingly to achieve positive outcomes.
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References –
Brown, J. (2009). Effective communication in the workplace: Learn how to communicate in the workplace effectively. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
Certo, S. C., & Certo, S. T. (2018). Effective communication. In Supervision: Concepts and skill-building (10th ed., pp. 230-266). McGraw-Hill Education.
Deci, E. L., Koestner, R., & Ryan, R. M. (1999). A meta-analytic review of experiments examining the effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation. Psychological Bulletin,
125(6), 627-668.
Kinicki, A., & Fugate, M. (2018). Organizational behavior: Key concepts, skills, and best practices. McGraw-Hill Education.
Lencioni, P. (2002). The five dysfunctions of a team: A leadership fable. Jossey-Bass.