Maintenance communication in superior‐subordinate relationships: An exploratory investigation of group social context and the “Pelz effect”

Abstract

This study explored effects of the larger organizational context of the work group on the use of maintenance communication behaviors in the superior‐subordinate relationship. Findings suggest that group social context and the “Pelz effect” have significant impacts on how individuals (subordinates) enact their communication behaviors in escalating, deteriorating, and routine strategic maintenance situations when attempting to maintain their superior‐subordinate relationships.