Purpose of the Questionnaire (Scale)

The main purpose of the SBDQ is to assess supervisors’ behavior as perceived by employees, to identify leadership styles (supportive, participative, authoritarian), and to correlate such behavior with organizational outcomes (effectiveness, satisfaction).

Questionnaire (Scale) Analysis

The Supervisory Behavior Description Questionnaire (SBDQ) was developed by Rensis Likert (1961) as a tool for evaluating supervisory behavior in an organizational context. It is based on the theory of organizational systems and measures the impact of leadership behavior on employee performance and satisfaction. The questionnaire includes 30 items covering 4 main dimensions: Support & Trust (8 items), Communication & Cooperation (7 items), Decentralization of Power (8 items), and Results Orientation (7 items). Respondents answer using a 5-point frequency scale (1 = “Never” to 5 = “Always”).

Sample

The SBDQ has been applied in businesses of various sizes and sectors, in public organizations, and among employees across all hierarchical levels.

Scoring Method

Each item is scored from 1 to 5. The mean scores per dimension are calculated to characterize leadership style. Higher scores (4–5) in supportive dimensions indicate participative leadership.

Statistical Analysis

The scale is analyzed by reporting the values obtained, while the subscales are analyzed by presenting the corresponding values (maximum, minimum, etc.). Examples are provided to illustrate what a high score means and what its implications are.

Validity of the Questionnaire (Scale)

The SBDQ has been validated through factor analysis and correlations with other leadership tools (e.g., MLQ). Its validity has been confirmed by several research studies showing that it accurately reflects supervisory behavior and leadership style.

Reliability of the Questionnaire (Scale)

The reliability of the SBDQ is high, with internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.87–0.93) and stability (test–retest reliability r = 0.89).

References

Likert, R. (1961). New Patterns of Management. McGraw-Hill.
Likert, R. (1967). The Human Organization: Its Management and Value. McGraw-Hill.
Bass, B. M. (1990). Bass & Stogdill’s Handbook of Leadership. Free Press.