Leader-member Exchange (LMX) and Performance: A Meta-analytic Review

Martin, R.; Guillaume, Y.; Thomas, G.; Lee, A.; Epitropaki, O.

Abstract

This paper reports a meta-analysis that examines the relationship between leader–member exchange (LMX) relationship quality and a multidimensional model of work performance (task, citizenship, and counterproductive performance). The results show a positive relationship between LMX and task performance (146 samples, ρ = .30) as well as citizenship performance (97 samples, ρ = .34), and negatively with counterproductive performance (19 samples, ρ = ‒.24). Of note, there was a positive relationship between LMX and objective task performance (20 samples, ρ = .24). Trust, motivation, empowerment, and job satisfaction mediated the relationship between LMX and task and citizenship performance with trust in the leader having the largest effect. There was no difference due to LMX measurement instrument (e.g., LMX7, LMX-MDM). Overall, the relationship between LMX and performance was weaker when (a) measures were obtained from a different source or method and (b) LMX was measured by the follower than the leader (with common source- and method-biased effects stronger for leader-rated LMX quality). Finally, there was evidence for LMX leading to task performance but not for reverse or reciprocal directions of effects.

Citation

Martin, R., Guillaume, Y., Thomas, G., Lee, A., & Epitropaki, O. (2016). Leader-member Exchange (LMX) and Performance: A Meta-analytic Review. Personnel Psychology, 69(1), 67-121. https://doi.org/10.1111/peps.12100

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 3, 2014
• Online Publication Date: Apr 25, 2015
• Publication Date: Mar 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: Apr 27, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 25, 2017
• Journal: Personnel Psychology
• Print ISSN: 0031-5826
• Electronic ISSN: 1744-6570
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 69
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 67-121
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/peps.12100
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1413730