Effects of perceived power of supervisor on subordinate work attitudes

This study examined the relationships between perceptions of supervisor power and subordinate work attitudes. Results showed that perceived legitimate power and coercive power of the supervisor were major predictors of subordinate stress, while perceived legitimate power and reward power were important predictors of employee motivation. Further, perceived coercive, reward and legitimate powers were all significant predictors of subordinate commitment. Also, perceived coercive power was negatively associated with subordinate satisfaction, while expert and referent powers were positively related to satisfaction. Implications for future research and practising managers are discussed.