Abstract

SAGER, Kevin L.. Looking down from above: measuring downward maintenance communication and exploring Theory X/Y assumptions as determinants of its expression. Rev. psicol. trab. organ. [online]. 2015, vol.31, n.1, pp.41-50. ISSN 2174-0534.  https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rpto.2015.02.003.

The present study examined the degree to which superiors' downward maintenance communication could be predicted from their Theory X/Y assumptions. In the first phase of the study, a self-report measure of downward maintenance communication was developed. Principal components analysis yielded three categories of maintenance communication: Downward Confirmation, Downward Conflict Avoidance, and Downward Civility. Regression analysis was performed in phase two. As hypothesized, Theory X orientation was a significant negative predictor of Downward Confirmation, and Theory Y orientation was a significant positive predictor of both Downward Confirmation and Downward Civility.

Keywords : Interpersonal communication in the workplace; Cognition and communication; Theory X; Theory Y; Downward maintenance communication; Relational schemata; Personnel selection.

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