The paradoxical influence of sex on communication rules coorientation and communication satisfaction in superior‐subordinate relationships

Is sex composition of superior‐subordinate dyads related systematically to communication rules coorientation and communication satisfaction? This study hypothesized that biological sex of the superior and the subordinate would affect coorientation and satisfaction. Specifically, it was predicted that coorientation and satisfaction for both parties would be lower in female superior/male subordinate relationships than in other conditions. Although interactions were observed at multivariate and univariate levels, the forms of the interactions were mixed. Generally, rules coorientation was higher in different‐sex than in same‐sex relationships, but communication satisfaction was lower. Several previous investigations along with the current study consistently indicate a positive relationship between coorientation and satisfaction, but sex composition of the superior‐subordinate dyad appears to mediate that relationship in a paradoxical way.