Understanding Workplace Relationships - With Special Reference to Superior-Subordinate Relationship – An Important Dimension Having Impact On The Success, Growth And Performance of the Employees And Organization

Workplace relationship is a very vital phenomenon at the workplace. The relationship between a leader & his subordinates can have a major impact on the performance of the employees. Positive relationships can take the shape of varied types of exchanges between a leader & his subordinates. A positive exchange, which may include behaviors like, discussing work related problems, involvement in the decision making process, availability of the leader at any time when required etc.—can have a positive impact on the performance of the employees. Good managers recognize that a relationship with a boss involves mutual dependence and that, if it is not managed well, they cannot be effective in their jobs. They also recognize that the boss-subordinate relationship is not like the one between a parent and a child, in that the burden for managing the relationship should not and cannot fall entirely on the boss. Bosses are only human, their wisdom and maturity are not always greater than their subordinates. Effective managers see managing the relationship with the boss as part of their job. As a result, they take time and energy to develop a relationship that is consonant with both persons' styles and assets and that meets the most critical needs of each.