The First-Line Supervisor: Literature Review PDF Download

Author: K. Hill
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 43

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Book Description
The first-line supervisor is generally considered critical to good organizational functioning. The extant literature on first-line supervisors was reviewed to gain an understanding of the position and to make recommendations for improving supervisory effectiveness in the future. A review of the history of the position reveals a significant loss of autonomy as external influences have eroded the first-line supervisor's power. A list of activities currently found in the first-line supervisor position and a table of leader behaviors associated with subordinate performance and attitudes are presented, the difficulties of using participative leadership at the first-line supervisory level are examined, and the applicability of the general leadership literature to first-line supervision is discussed. Peer relationships were found to be important, but not engaged or facilitated in most organizations. Training programs for first-line supervisors are described and recommended program content presented. First-line supervisory role and status conflicts were found to create numerous problems for the supervisor. Future impacts on the first-line supervisor are predicted to be continued influence of staff specialists, the growth of participative management techniques, and greater impact of computer-driven automation and information management. (Author).