The Managerial Couple: Superior-Subordinate Relationships as a Unit of Analysis

Psychoanalysis of organizations

Abstract

The superior-subordinate relationship (called the “managerial couple” in this article) is pervasive in hierarchical organizations and essential to their effectiveness. Through this primary interpersonal link, the delegation of work, the division of labor, and accountability are all realized. Together, both members of the managerial couple must accomplish a job, but neither can control that job individually. Therefore, each must trust the other while coping with feelings of dependence on the other. The extent to which each relies on the other and can be let down by the other often touches upon deep-seated anxieties.