The First-Line Supervisor: Phasing Out or Here To Stay?

Abstract

The literature on first-line supervisors was reviewed to gain an under-standing of their position. There has been a significant loss of autonomy as external influences have eroded first-line supervisory power. Activities of the first-line supervisor and a table of leader behaviors associated with subordinate performance and attitudes are presented. The likely impacts of (a) growth of participative management, (b) increased use of autonomous work groups, (c) use of computers in management, and (d) influence of staff specialists, are discussed.