Study of the intersubjectivity of interactions in organizations: bosses want to subordinate, and employees want to follow

Abstract

This investigation explores some characteristics that typify the interaction between bosses and subordinates. The study was carried out with a sample of 73 participants, male and female, enrolled in an MBA program in Peru. The analysis of the narratives from a projective test applied to the group was used as a study method. The results show the existence of intersub- jective guidelines for the interaction between bosses and subordinates. A boss’s interaction with his subordinate is typified because the boss engages in management-related behaviors and expects follower behaviors from his subordinates. The subordinate-to-boss interaction is typified by the su- bordinate seeking to respond to the boss’s demands and expecting positive evaluations for his work. The study provides a methodological contribution to the study of interactions in organizations.