Effect of a script for managers in charge of 1-on-1 meetings on employee satisfaction

Purpose Despite the prevalence of 1-on-1 meetings, their short history means the authors have insufficient knowledge of their workings, which has created a negative view of their effectiveness. This study aims to determine whether developing a script − a foundational sales know-how − for 1-on-1 meetings increases employee satisfaction? Design/methodology/approach Two studies were conducted among full-time employees of ITOCHU Techno-Solutions Corporation, a major Japanese IT company. In Study 1, the authors identified satisfaction factors relating to the topics of 1-on-1 meetings and developed a script based on these findings. In Study 2, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined the effect of the script on employee satisfaction with 1-on-1 meetings. Findings Study 1 showed that the three conversation topics − job description, career development and idle talk − had a positive effect, while private life had a negative effect. No significant effects were detected for organizational strategy, working style and human relationships. In Study 2, an RCT was conducted using a script created based on this knowledge; the script significantly increased subordinate satisfaction. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to identify topics that contribute to satisfaction in 1-on-1 meetings and, through an RCT, demonstrate the effectiveness of using such scripts.