A survey was conducted with subsection chief-level employees in one of the Japanese companies operating globally. In total 136 subsection chiefs participating in training courses provided by the company answered a questionnaire. Firstly, the extent to which expressing and being expressed gratitude was investigated in relation to the concept of grateful disposition.

Secondly, it was examined the effect of their bosses' behavior of showing 'expectation and gratitude' to subsection chiefs and their members.

The results show that expressing gratitude was more connected to the grateful disposition than being expressed gratitude. Furthermore, it was seen that the behavior of the boss showing 'expectation and gratitude' had a direct and positive influence on members' competence development behavior and proactive behavior. Finally, it was also seen that the behavior of bosses showing 'expectation and gratitude' influenced the behavior of the subsection chiefs showing 'expectation and gratitude' and that the behavior of the subsection chiefs showing 'expectation and gratitude' also influenced the competence development behavior and proactive behavior of their members. In other words, it was seen that the behavior of the managers showing 'expectation and gratitude' influenced the behavior of their members, both directly and indirectly.