JOB LEVEL AS A SYSTEMIC VARIABLE IN PREDICTING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUPERVISORY COMMUNICATION AND JOB-SATISFACTION

Four dimensions of superior-subordinate communication (positive relati onship communication, upward openness communication, negative relation ship communication, and job-relevant communication) were used to test a role theory explanation for the moderating effect of job level on th e communication-job satisfaction relationship. Consistent with a role theory explanation for such a moderating effect, results indicated tha t the influence of a superior's communication on job satisfaction was significantly greater for supervisors than for hourly employees. All f our communication dimensions were significant predictors of hourly emp loyees' job satisfaction. However, while supervisors reported receivin g more positive relationship and more upward openness communication, t hese two dimensions were not significant predictors of their job satis faction. Implications for both research and management practice are of fered.