The Measure Development of Supervisor’s Communication Tactics for Using Coercive Power

Instances of supervisors using coercive power are not rare in work environments, yet little is known about how supervisors’ communication tactics effect these situations. The purpose of the present study is to develop a new scale assessing supervisors’ communication tactics in the case of supervisors’ use of coercive power. This scale has been developed from relevant academic literature, discussions with professional scholars and focus groups. Following initial development, the scale was improved by collecting data and editing scale items. Data was collected twice. The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 242 and 186, respectively) showed that the reliability and construct validity of the supervisors’ communication tactics in situations of supervisors’ use of coercive power met the required criteria. This scale can provide scholars and managers in organizations greater understanding of the effects of the use of coercive power. This study also discussed practical implications and theoretical meaning of the findings.