Subordinate Articulated Dissent as Influenced by Supervisor Behaviors: The Hazards of Humor

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of supervisor communication on subordinates’ articulated dissent behaviors. Through the guidance of construal level theory, it was proposed that supervisor communicative behaviors (solidarity, immediate, and humor) indirectly influenced subordinate articulated dissent through the mediation of subordinates’ burnout and perceived immediacy with their supervisor. The data indicate that supervisor solidarity and immediate behaviors indirectly, positively influence subordinate articulated dissent through the mediation of burnout and perceived immediacy. However, perceived immediacy did not mediate the relationship between supervisor humor and subordinate articulate dissent. Further, supervisor humor increased subordinate burnout, decreasing articulated dissent intentions.