Leader-member exchange and leader identification: comparison and integration
Journal of Managerial Psychology
ISSN: 0268-3946
Article publication date: 13 March 2018
Issue publication date: 10 July 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to compare and integrate leader-member exchange (LMX) and leader identification (LID) as concurrently functioning mediators between three leadership styles (individual-focused transformational, contingent reward, and benevolent paternalistic) and two citizenship behaviors (helping and taking charge).
Design/methodology/approach
Data included 395 stable, independent leader-follower dyads from numerous Chinese organizations. Partial least squares structural equation modeling and relative weight analysis were used in data analyses.
Findings
In established, steady-state leader-member alliances, LMX was the dominant explanation between various leadership styles and helping; whereas LID explained leadership effects on taking charge. Three-stage indirect effects of leadership-LMX-LID-taking charge were found. Also, LMX and LID related to the three focal leadership styles in distinct ways.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations include cross-sectional data. Strengths include a large, multi-source field sample. Implications include that LMX and LID provide different prosocial motivations; LMX indirectly engenders stronger other-orientation through LID; and the nature of indirect leadership effects via LID is more sensitive to the nature of the focal leadership styles. LMX and LID together provide a package of prosocial motivations.
Practical implications
Leaders interested in increasing employees’ helping vs taking charge behaviors can be more effective by understanding the different motivational potentials of LMX vs LID. Leaders also need to choose appropriate behavioral styles when they activate LMX vis-à-vis LID.
Originality/value
This study integrates multiple leadership theories to provide a nuanced account of how social exchange and self-concept explain leadership at the interpersonal level when leadership styles, LMX, and LID are stable.
Keywords
Citation
Li, J., Furst-Holloway, S., Masterson, S.S., Gales, L.M. and Blume, B.D. (2018), "Leader-member exchange and leader identification: comparison and integration", Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol. 33 No. 2, pp. 122-141. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMP-06-2017-0220
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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