ABSTRACT

Relatively little is known about the involvement of workplace superiors in the lives of youths who work. This study examines that influence from the perspectives of 127 high school students and 95 managers employed in four businesses characterized by youth employment. The independent samples of managers in interviews and high school students on written questionnaires were asked to rate the importance of the manager as a significant other and give opinions about the involvement of managers in the overall development of high school students who work. Although the results of the study suggest that the involvement of superiors in the lives of youths who work is desired by both groups, this influence may be limited by the negative opinion each group has of the other. These conclusions have policy implications for those concerned about the effective socialization of many contemporary youths.