Rules about assertion in the workplace: Effect of status and message type

27 male and 37 female Ss, who were themselves employed, judged vignettes in which subordinates, supervisors, and coworkers sent either positive or negative assertive messages. Ss rated the messages on effect on the relationship and outcome, rated the message sender on appropriateness, likeability, and respect, and listed rules for behavior which they believed to apply in the situation. Expressing a personal limitation was rated least favorably of the positive messages; positive messages were rated more favorably than negative ones, where expressing displeasure was rated most negatively. Negatively assertive subordinates were rated more favorably than coworkers or supervisors. The social rules generated indicated a consensus on the importance of politeness and consideration, along with the need for justification of negative messages