The Curious Case of the Curvilinear Relationship Between Role Clarity and Supervisor Satisfaction

Abstract

The relationship between role clarity and satisfaction has often been considered linear, despite decades of evidence suggesting the contrary. Although numerous researchers have proposed empirical examinations of the nature of the relationships (e.g., Organ & Greene, 1974), only a few scholars have even examined the more general relationship between role clarity and job satisfaction. This paper conceptually and empirically examined the nature of the relationship between role clarity and supervisor satisfaction, finding support for a curvilinear relationship. Moderators (e.g., supervisor developmental feedback, interpersonal justice) were also examined. We hypothesized and found that high SDF and interpersonal justice moderated the curvilinear relationships such that high levels of the moderators were associated with slight positive effects of the relationship. However, low SDF and interpersonal justice were associated with a downward turn in the curvilinear relationship at higher levels of role clarity. Limitation and future directions are discussed.