Introduction
Body language communication plays a critical yet often overlooked role in shaping organizational dynamics. Gestures such as pointing a finger, nodding, or drawing a circle using the thumbs-up sign, alongside postures like leaning forward or standing with hands on hips, offer immediate, though often unconscious, insights into a supervisor’s attitudes and expectations. Expressions like smiling, frowning, or making eye contact also contribute to the emotional tone in interactions, influencing employees’ perceptions and reactions (McGrath et al., 2015; Low, 2023). These nonverbal cues can be interpreted in various ways, affecting both morale and productivity, yet such aspects remain under-explored in much of the literature.
While previous studies have examined the general importance of nonverbal communication in leadership (Kouzes & Posner, 2020), fewer have specifically focused on how employees interpret these cues in terms of performance outcomes. For example, some studies suggest that positive gestures, such as a boss’s open posture encourage collaboration and trust, while frowning or distant body language may demotivate employees (Glover, 2021). In contrast, minimal attention has been given to how employees’ interpretations of such signals directly correlate with their performance at work. This paper aims to bridge this gap by examining how body language influences employees’ behavioural outcomes and overall productivity in the workplace (Falkenstein et al., 2019; Kramer et al., 2022).
Definitions
Gestures, postures, and expressions are distinct components of nonverbal communication that convey different types of information. Gestures involve movements of the hands, arms, or body to communicate a message, such as pointing to indicate direction or a thumbs-up to signal approval (McGrath et al., 2015; Glover, 2021). Postures, on the other hand, refer to the positioning of the body that can signify attitudes or emotions, such as leaning forward to show engagement or crossing arms, which might convey disinterest or defensiveness (Knapp & Hall, 2019; McCarthy et al., ;2021). Expressionspertain to facial movements that reflect emotions, such as genuine smiling to indicate approval, frowning to show displeasure, or sighing to express frustration (Falkenstein et al., 2019; Glover, 2021). In this paper, we apply these definitions throughout the discussion.
Interpretation of Supervisors’ Gestures and its Impact on Performance
Employees in workplaces are highly attuned to the body language and gestures exhibited by their supervisors. They interpret them in ways that can either motivate or discourage performance. Common gestures like pointing, crossing arms, tapping feet, nodding, or forming a circle with the thumb and index finger often communicate more than words themselves. For instance, a supervisor pointing with their lips or head may indicate a focus on a particular task or directive, signalling to employees where attention is needed. Nodding is often seen as a gesture of agreement. It can reinforce employees’ confidence in their decisions, as the nod implies approval. In contrast, behaviours like crossing arms or tapping feet may suggest impatience or disinterest. These potentially cause employees to feel less motivated or insecure about their contributions (Glover, 2021; McGrath et al., 2015). Thus, gestures shape the work environment and employees’ emotional responses to their supervisors’ leadership styles.
However, despite the frequent discussion among employees about these gestures, research into their impact on performance remains limited. While much has been written about general nonverbal communication in leadership (Kouzes & Posner, 2020), the specific ways in which employees interpret these everyday gestures in terms of performance outcomes has been largely neglected. For example, steepling fingers, often associated with confidence or authority, could be interpreted by some employees as a sign of control, signalling a leadership style that is either motivating or intimidating (Kramer et al., 2022). Similarly, gestures like chin-stroking or rubbing one’s face can suggest contemplation or dissatisfaction, which may leave employees uncertain about the direction or quality of their work.
In terms of motivation, certain gestures tend to have a more positive impact than others. A thumbs-up commonly interpreted as praise or affirmation, may significantly boost an employee’s morale. It may reinforce positive behaviour and enhance their drive to continue performing well. But then gestures that communicate frustration or impatience such as tapping one’s foot or frowning, may create anxiety among employees. Employees are particularly sensitive to nonverbal cues. They may feel that these signals are more genuine and carefully constructed (Glover, 2021).
Impact of Supervisors’ Facial Expression on Employee Performance
Supervisors’ facial expressions such as eye contact, smiling, and sighing, can have a profound impact on employees’ perceptions of their work environment and performance. While eye contact is generally interpreted as a sign of attentiveness and engagement, it can also be perceived as intimidating or confrontational when overused (Kramer et al., 2022). Smiling, on the other hand, typically conveys warmth and approval, which can boost employee morale (Glover, 2021). However, the meaning of these expressions can vary depending on their context. An exaggerated smile might be seen as insincere, and a sigh could signal frustration, leaving employees uncertain about their standing or future prospects (Falkenstein et al., 2019). These nonverbal cues, when exhibited by supervisors, hold more weight compared to similar gestures among employees. Usually, employees tend to interpret them through the lens of authority and power dynamics (Kouzes & Posner, 2020).
Supervisors’ facial behaviour is directly tied to the work climate, influencing employees’ motivation, confidence, and engagement (Low, 2023). When supervisors roll their eyes, employees may interpret it as a sign of disapproval, leading to anxiety or a decrease in performance (Glover, 2021). Similarly, behaviours like lip biting or frowning can signal internal conflict or discontent. This may cause employees to feel that their efforts are inadequate, even if such expressions are not intended to convey negative feedback (Kramer et al., 2022). This underscores the importance of understanding how specific facial expressions affect employees’ emotional states and their subsequent productivity.
Impact of Supervisors’ Posture on Employee Performance
Body postures convey significant nonverbal cues that affect how employees interpret their supervisors’ attitudes and influence their motivation and performance. Leaning forward during a discussion often signals interest and engagement. This may create an atmosphere of openness that motivates employees (Knapp & Hall, 2019). This posture conveys a sense of active listening and attentiveness, signalling to employees that their opinions matter, which can lead to increased productivity and a sense of empowerment. Leaning back, especially with crossed arms may be perceived as a sign of disinterest or even superiority. Such postures may make employees feel undervalued or ignored, potentially diminishing their confidence and lowering overall performance (McCarthy et al., 2021). While some argue that leaning back can indicate a reflective or thoughtful state, in a hierarchical context, it may unintentionally signal disengagement or lack of support for the employee’s input (Gonzalez & Weitzel, 2020).
Postures like standing with hands on hips may convey dominance or authority. This may inspire confidence in some employees while intimidating others. his posture often communicates power and control as seen in studies by Carney et al. (2015) who suggest that power poses can impact one’s perceptions of competence and effectiveness. For supervisors, standing in this manner might be effective in showing decisiveness, but it may also be perceived as arrogant or confrontational. Employees may interpret such a posture as an attempt to assert authority without genuine engagement. This can create discomfort and lower morale, particularly if the employee feels subjugated by this display of power (Higgins et al., 2018). In contrast, a more neutral posture such as standing with arms relaxed at the sides might create a more approachable and inclusive atmosphere. This is likely to foster higher morale and better communication between supervisors and subordinates (Knapp & Hall, 2019).
Postures like pocketing hands or resting them behind a chair can also evoke varying interpretations. Pocketing hands, for example, can be seen as a sign of confidence because it demonstrates that the person is at ease and in control (Gonzalez & Weitzel, 2020). However, it can also be interpreted as aloofness or arrogance. This becomes the case if done in a manner that distances the supervisor from the employees (McCarthy et al., 2021). The ambiguity of this gesture underscores the importance of context in interpreting body language. Resting hands behind a chair might indicate a reflective or relaxed posture, which could signal to employees that their supervisor is thoughtfully considering a situation. However, some employees may interpret this as indifference or detachment, particularly if the supervisor appears physically disengaged or distant (Higgins et al., 2018). The dual meanings of these postures highlight the challenge for supervisors in choosing body language that fosters the intended message without miscommunication.
The act of bowing in front of a junior can be problematic. A bow might be perceived as unexpected potentially leading to discomfort. If a supervisor of the opposite sex performs such a gesture, it could introduce even more complexity due to potential misinterpretations about inappropriate behaviour (Knapp & Hall, 2019). This action might create a feeling of discomfort leaving a junior confused on how to respond. This complicates their engagement with the supervisor (McCarthy et al., 2021).
The challenge for supervisors lies in understanding the varying interpretations of these postures and aligning their body language with the intended message of support and authority. Further research is needed to explore how these gestures affect performance in specific organizational contexts, as existing studies often fail to address the nuanced impact of body posture in workplace hierarchies (Carney et al., 2015; Gonzalez & Weitzel, 2020).
Interpretation Fatigue
In real life situations, gestures, postures, and facial expressions often occur simultaneously. This creates a complex web of nonverbal cues for employees to interpret. A supervisor might simultaneously cross their arms, frown, and maintain direct eye contact. When such cues occur together, employees may experience fatigue in deciphering their meanings accurately. This leads to either exaggerated interpretations or under-interpretation or dismissed (McCarthy et al., 2021). This fatigue can cloud judgement and negatively impact employee performance. To mitigate this issue, training programs during onboarding should be designed to educate employees on how to interpret multiple body language cues happening concurrently (Carney et al., 2015). These programs should also emphasize recognising body language that should be minimized or abolished, such as excessive power poses or overly formal postures (Gonzalez & Weitzel, 2020). By doing so, employees can better navigate the complexity of body language in the workplace, leading to more accurate interpretations and improved interpersonal dynamics and performance.
Conclusion
In light of these interpretations, supervisors should consider adjusting their nonverbal communication styles to foster a positive work environment. Some of the gestures that imply frustration or disinterest are; crossed arms, tapping feet, rolling eyes, bowing before juniors, lip biting, pocketing with both hands while standing. Instead, supervisors should promote gestures that enhance clarity and motivation, such as nodding in agreement, using open arms, or employing a thumbs-up to acknowledge accomplishments. Given the strong link between body language and employee perception, future empirical studies should explore how supervisors’ nonverbal cues impact organizational success (Falkenstein et al., 2019; Kouzes & Posner, 2020).
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