EFFECTS OF SUPPORTIVE SUPERVISION, CO-WORKER SOCIAL SUPPORT AND JOB AWARENESS ON EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION AT WORK

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between employee consciousness of the job-related atmosphere and motivation at work. Expectancy theory is used here to develop a framework for the analysis of possible effects. Supportive supervision (`S') and social support of co-workers (`C') are identified as two major factors of employee consciousness of the job-related atmosphere. Employee job awareness regarding its pleasantness and acceptability (`J') is considered here as a moderating variable for the relationship of `S' and `C' with motivation. Several hypotheses are developed upon possible relationships of the above three factors (`S', `C', & `J') and employee motivation. These hypotheses suggest the existence of positive effects of supportive supervision and co-worker social support and their moderating effects due to the pleasantness and acceptability of the job on motivation. A questionnaire survey administered to Japanese manufacturing employees considerably supported the validity of hypotheses. Particularly, the result suggests that the supportiveness of supervision is highly effective in improving employee motivation when the job is perceived rather unacceptable.