Problem Solving Style and Leader Follower Relationships: A Test of Leader-Member Exchange Theory

Based on Leader-Member Exchange and problem solving style theories, the purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that teachers with perceived styles similar to their supervisors will have more positive perceptions of their supervisor-subordinate relationship. One-hundred ten teachers were recruited by Qualtrics to complete surveys about supervisor and teacher problem solving styles, and teachers’ perception of a positive or negative supervisory relationship. The main study hypothesis was not supported. Neither perceived problem solving styles of supervisor nor teacher were related to supervisory relationship. Teachers who completed VIEW: An Assessment of Problem Solving Style appeared moderately Developer as opposed to Explorer and similar to the over-2000 teachers already in the VIEW database. In addition, teachers in this study appeared to judge more positive relationships with former supervisors than current ones. Teachers’ age, gender, and years of experience did not affect the relationships observed