Ninety managers interacted with low performing workers who demonstrated either insufficient ability or motivation. Results indicated that cooperative superiors expected mutual assistance, communicated supportively, and gave assistance. Superiors used threats and disliked low effort subordinates but wanted to work again with low ability…

Tests whether previous experimental findings on the use of power hold for actual organizational interactions among employees in three Canadian organizations. Uses the critical incident method. Finds cooperative goals are associated with the exchange of resources, strengthened work relationships, and productivity. (NL)