Deep-level dissimilarity and leader–member exchange (LMX) quality: the role of status

Lianidou, Theano; Lytle, Ashley; Kakarika, Maria

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.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 29, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Dec 24, 2021
• Publication Date: Apr 8, 2022
• Deposit Date: Mar 3, 2023
• Journal: Journal of Managerial Psychology
• Print ISSN: 0268-3946
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 37
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 379-393
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/jmp-02-2021-0050
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1180487