Deep-level dissimilarity and leader–member exchange (LMX) quality: the role of status
Journal of Managerial Psychology
ISSN: 0268-3946
Article publication date: 24 December 2021
Issue publication date: 8 April 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores how status, demographic and positional, moderates the negative effect of deep-level dissimilarity on leader–member exchange (LMX) quality.
Design/methodology/approach
Data from three samples were analyzed using hierarchical linear regression and linear mixed-effects methods.
Findings
Results suggest that the negative effect of deep-level dissimilarity (perceived work-related attitude and perspective differences) on LMX quality is stronger when the LMX partner has low demographic status (e.g. the LMX partner is an African-American woman). This moderating effect was not significant when deep-level dissimilarity was extended to include differences in personality, interests and values. Results were mixed on whether low positional status (i.e. when the LMX partner is a member rather than a leader) strengthens the negative effect of deep-level dissimilarity on LMX quality.
Practical implications
This study may help leaders, organizational members and diversity managers better manage attitude and perspective dissimilarity in leader–member dyads.
Originality/value
This study expands research exploring interactive effects of dissimilarity and status on work-related outcomes. It is novel in that it explores status not in relative terms but at the societal level. It is also the first study to analyze the moderating effects of two types of status: demographic and positional.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the Associate Editor Holly Ferraro and two anonymous reviewers for their thoughtful feedback and guidance throughout the review process. The authors would also like to thank Patricia Holahan for her support with the first study's data collection and feedback on earlier versions of this paper.
Citation
Lianidou, T., Lytle, A. and Kakarika, M. (2022), "Deep-level dissimilarity and leader–member exchange (LMX) quality: the role of status", Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol. 37 No. 4, pp. 379-393. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMP-02-2021-0050
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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