Trouble With Authority

According to a new study by researchers at Florida State University, many Americans disapprove of their boss’ behavior. Twenty-three percent said their superiors blamed others to protect themselves while 31 percent reported getting the silent treatment.

AP via Yahoo:

The results of the study are scheduled for publication in the Fall 2007 issue of the Leadership Quarterly, a journal read by consultants, managers and executives.

The findings include:

* 39 percent of workers said their supervisor failed to keep promises.

* 37 percent said their supervisor failed to give credit when due.

* 31 percent said their supervisor gave them the “silent treatment” in the past year.

* 27 percent said their supervisor made negative comments about them to other employees or managers.

* 24 percent said their supervisor invaded their privacy.

* 23 percent said their supervisor blamed others to cover up mistakes or to minimize embarrassment.

Workers in bad situations should remain optimistic, one of the survey leaders said.

“It is important to stay positive, even when you get irritated or discouraged, because few subordinate-supervisor relationships last forever,” he said. “You want the next boss to know what you can do for the company.”

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