Effects of Communication Direction on Job Performance and Satisfaction: A Moderated Regression Analysis

High levels of job performance and job satisfaction occur when congruence of individual needs (growth need strength) and job characteristics (job scope) exists. Downward communication received some statistical support as both moderator and predictor of job performance and job satisfaction in low individual-job congruence situations. Upward and lateral communication had some support as predictors but lacked support as moderators of job performance and job satisfaction in high individual-job congruence situations. These conclusions are derived from this research that examines the moderating effects of communication direction on individual-job congruence and work outcomes (performance/satisfaction). Data from 302 employees who reported job scope, growth need strength, job performance, job satisfaction, and communication direction (upward, lateral, downward) were used for the study. Moderated regression analysis was the statistical technique applied.