Trust and communication in supervisor-subordinate relationships in technology-intensive business sectors in China

Meng Lin, Zhang Zhonghe, Feng Wei () and Muhammad Arif ()
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Meng Lin: Heilongjiang University
Zhang Zhonghe: Heilongjiang University
Feng Wei: Heilongjiang University
Muhammad Arif: Guilin Tourism University

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Effective communication between superiors and subordinates is critical to operational efficiency in technology-intensive industries, yet trust deficits and interpersonal barriers often disrupt this dynamic. Despite their impact, such communication challenges remain insufficiently addressed in these sectors. This research addressed these gaps, exploring key factors from three distinct perspectives: the influence of superiors’ transformational leadership, the self-efficacy of subordinates, and the level of mutual trust between superiors and subordinates. The study analyzed how these elements shape communication dynamics. It constructed models to illustrate these relationships and supported its findings with empirical data to validate the proposed hypotheses. Additionally, the study employed chain mediation analysis to deepen the understanding of these influence pathways. It used a structural equation model based on questionnaire data collected in 2023 in China. The findings revealed a strong positive correlation between trust and effective communication between superiors and subordinates. The research further demonstrated that self-efficacy and transformational leadership serve as chain mediators in this dynamic. Notably, transformational leadership emerged as a crucial mediator between trust and communication effectiveness. By combining theoretical frameworks with empirical insights, this study offers a comprehensive analysis of the factors that shape superior-subordinate communication. It filled existing knowledge gaps but also provided practical recommendations to improve workplace relationships. It also suggested effective approaches to fostering better communication within organizations.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-06057-3

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