Accession Number:

AD0753263

Title:

Attitudes and Behavior of Black and White Supervisors in Problem Solving Groups.

Descriptive Note:

Technical rept.,

Corporate Author:

FLORIDA UNIV GAINESVILLE

Personal Author(s):

• Hill,Walter A.
• Ruhe,John A.

Report Date:

1972-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

46.0

Abstract:

The purpose of the study is to provide information concerning the attitudes and behaviors of black and white supervisors in simulated problem solving groups. Subjects were 12 black and 12 white students who were assigned randomly to supervise three different racially mixed dyads of subordinates all black, mixed, and all white. The results emanating from our comparison of the frequency with which black and white leaders used the different Bales categories revealed that, in the aggregate, white leaders asked for more opinions and suggestions than their black counterparts. There were no other significant differences in the use of these categories. Likewise, no significant differences were found between black and white supervisors duration of speech, expressed self-esteem, or satisfaction with their tasks and subordinates. Finally, although supervisors were found to vary their leadership style, these variations were traced to differing task demands rather than supervisors race. Author

Descriptors:

• (*SUPERVISORS
• *ATTITUDES(PSYCHOLOGY))
• PROBLEM SOLVING
• SOCIAL COMMUNICATION
• LEADERSHIP
• BEHAVIOR

Subject Categories:

• Psychology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE