Although demographic diversity has been found to increase interpersonal attraction and trust, some research has suggested that the effect is only temporary. This study investigates the mechanism of relational demography on supervisor satisfaction by examining the mediating role of an underlying attribute - communication satisfaction. The results demonstrate that communication satisfaction fully mediates the relationship between hometown diversity and satisfaction with a supervisor. Hometown diversity acts as a stepping stone to increase satisfaction atthe beginning of the relationship. However, in the long run, communication satisfaction, which serves as a deep-level factor, increases satisfaction with supervisor. Implications are discussed. © 2009 Taylor & Francis.