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- Title
Exploring the Role of Touch and Apologies in Forgiveness of Workplace Offenses.
- Authors
Marler, Laura E.; Cox, Susie S.; Simmering, Marcia J.; Bennett, Rebecca J.; Fuller, Jerry Bryan
- Abstract
Due to concerns about sexual harassment, many supervisors are fearful of using touch as a way to enhance their communication effectiveness (Richmond and McCroskey, 2004). This study challenges the notion that the use of touch in organizations is "all bad" by investigating the possibility that supervisors may be able to touch their subordinates in ways that lead to positive outcomes. The authors conduct a scenario-based study with a quasi-experimental research design examining whether the use of touch in an apology, would relate to perceptions of apology sincerity and perceptions of willingness to forgive. Three hundred and live participants are asked to watch one of three videos in which the use of touch during an apology tot an offense was manipulated. Findings suggest the use of touch in the apology, (a handshake or a pat on the back) was positively related to observer perceptions of apology sincerity and perceptions of supervisor support. Further, results indicate that perceptions of supervisor support had a mediating effect on the relationship between touch and perceptions of apology sincerity. The findings provide initial evidence that touch can be used positively in the workplace to foster positive reactions.
- Subjects
INTERPERSONAL communication; WORK environment; TOUCH -- Social aspects; APOLOGIZING; INDUSTRIAL relations
- Publication
Journal of Managerial Issues, 2011, Vol 23, Issue 2, p144
- ISSN
1045-3695
- Publication type
Article