German study shows negative effect of supervision

 Employee motivation decreases significantly if workers sense distrust from their supervisors, according to new research from Germany’s University of Bonn.

Professor Armin Falk, research director at the Institute for the Study of Labour, conducted a controlled experiment into reactions to supervision.

The study concluded that bosses who regularly vet and check their employees’ work are punished with under-performance, whereas workers given a free hand perform much better.

However, the study noted that when employees are subjected to very strict supervision, they respond with the same high levels of motivation as when they are given carte blanche.

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“Anyone who is suspicious of the willingness to work of their employees is punished by poor work levels; whoever is optimistic and gives [employees ] free rein is rewarded,” said Falk.

“If there has to be supervision, it should be done properly.”