An Exploratory Study of Managers' Reactions to Properties of Verbal Communication1

Verbal communication (VC) is a major work activity of managers, but managers' reactions to the properties of this activity are rarely investigated and are poorly understood. A description and explanation of managers' reactions to VC is needed to further present understanding of managerial behavior. This exploratory study draws on past research to include seven properties of VC that potentially are related to managers' reactions. A procedure was used whereby managers recorded the properties of their VC activities and their reactions to these activities as they occurred during the workday. Results indicate that the VC properties included are related to some reactions. Explanations are provided for managers' reactions and the results are linked to other research on managerial behavior.