Job Satisfaction and the Worker-Supervisor Relationship

The purpose of the study was to examine the correlation between satisfaction with clients and the superisory relationship. The 121 subjects of this study were employed in a department of human resources in a medium sized city in the Southeastern United States. Data from our study indicated that supervisors who are both supportive and positive in their relationships are not necessarily close or consistent. The overall job satisfaction and the overall quality of the supervisory relationship were nonetheless positively correlated. Nevertheless, social agencies should strive to develop a mechanism by which supportive and positive supervisory and collegial relationships are enhanced and formalized. One such way would be through the use of periodic seminars, conferences and semistructured activities where supervisors and workers have an opportunity to exchange ideas and share common client and non-client concerns.