Development of Supervisor Communication Behavior Scale toward Subordinates

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a communication behavior measurement scale for supervisors based on subordinates' ratings at the workplace. Supervisors' communication skills were organized from one-on-one interviews(11 males and 5 females)and classified into 17 subcategories. To create a preliminary scale, eight items from the existing scales(Tanaka, 2007)were added to these 17 subcategories. A total of 25 items were thus selected in this research. Subsequently, an online questionnaire was administered to 350 employees from a wider range of branches, particularly those responsible for various tasks such as package sorting. The responses were then analyzed. As a result, the “Supervisor Communication Behavior Scale toward Subordinates(SCBSS)” established three key factors: “Explanation and Human Resource Development Communication Behavior(CB),” “Relationship Maintenance and Regulation CB,” and “Self-control CB.” Positive correlations were identified between the ENDCOREs and the PM Instructor Behavior Measurement Scale. Therefore, this study acknowledged the credibility and validity of SCBSS to evaluate supervisors’ CB toward their subordinates.