The influence of supervisors on role stress, performance and job satisfaction in the retail food industry in the Cape Metropolitan area

Abstract

This study examines and identifies evidence of employees’ perception of their supervisors’ influence on role stress, performance and job satisfaction. This study provides an opportunity to understand how the extent of influence is impacted by the elements of role stress: ambiguity and conflict, performance and job satisfaction. Evidence of employees’ perception was elicited using a quantitative survey instrument and administered to 300 respondents from participating stores. The responses were analysed using the Statistical package SPSS (version 19). The study found evidence of influence on elements of role stress (significant – ambiguity, but not-significant – conflict): with both job satisfaction and performance (significant). These findings contribute to the understanding of the perceived supervisor’s influence over role stress, job satisfaction and performance. The study concludes that although there is evidence of supervisor’s influence on role stress, performance and job satisfaction, the influence on role stress is balanced significantly between ambiguity and conflict compared to job satisfaction and performance. The role of employees is depending on the employees social and economic context and could determine ambiguity and conflict level without a supervisor. It would be incumbent on the supervisors to moderate their supervisory function according to the employee’s role and responsibility for an improved performance and satisfaction outcome.