Effects of Supervisor-Subordinate Power Distance Orientation Fit on Subordinates' Attitudes

Abstract

Based on former research on person-supervisor fit and power distance orientation, we examine the congruence effect of subordinates and managers power distance orientations on subordinates interactional fairness perceptions, which in turn influence subordinates’ attitudes toward themselves and their managers. Results of cross-level polynomial regression on 281 subordinates nested in 98 managers’ management showed that the misfit between subordinates and managers power distance orientations led to subordinates’ lower interactional fairness perceptions, lower trust in managers and lower intent for future interaction with managers; whereas relatively higher fit between power distance orientations led to higher subordinates’ self-perceived status. The underlying mechanisms were discussed.