11.3: Describe leader-member exchange and the role it plays

Question 1

What is Leader-Member Exchange (LMX)? (LO 11.3)

Answer 1

LMX refers to the quality of the relationship between employees and their leaders. High LMX relationships are strong and positive, while low LMX relationships are poor.

Question 2

What are some key benefits of strong LMX relationships?

Answer 2

Increased employee citizenship behavior
Higher employee performance ratings
Greater employee satisfaction
Reduced turnover
Enhanced organizational commitment

Question 3

How does strong LMX affect employee attitudes and behaviors?

Answer 3

Employees in high LMX relationships are more productive, helpful, satisfied, committed to the organization, and less likely to leave their jobs.

Question 4

What did Gottfredson and Aguinis find about LMX?

Answer 4

Their study of 3,327 studies (930,349 observations) found that LMX is the main mechanism through which leadership influences employee performance.

Question 5

What are the most important predictors of strong LMX relationships?

Answer 5

Leader contingent rewards (.73 correlation)

Transformational leadership (.73 correlation)

Leader trust (.73 correlation)

Question 6

What leadership behaviors are key to building strong LMX relationships?

Answer 6

Providing contingent rewards, showing transformational leadership, and fostering trust between leader and employee.

Question 7

What is the “full range of leadership” approach?

Answer 7

A combination of transactional and transformational leadership, which together create a comprehensive leadership strategy.