Comportements interpersonnels du superviseur, états de besoins psychologiques et motivation des subordonnés : étude des couleurs vives et fades des processus motivationnels

Based on self-determination theory, this study aimed to investigate the associations between supervisors’ interpersonal behaviors and subordinates’ motivation through the latter's psychological need states. A questionnaire survey was completed by 562 French employees. A mediation model was tested and supported the existence of two distinct motivational pathways. The first one linked supervisors’ supportive behaviors to subordinates’ autonomous motivation through the satisfaction of their psychological needs. The second one linked supervisors’ indifferent behaviors to poor motivation among subordinates (i.e., lower autonomous motivation and higher amotivation) through the unfulfillment of their psychological needs. Theoretical and practical contributions are discussed.