Both Sides Now: Supervisor and Subordinate Perspectives on Relationship Quality

Abstract

Traditional leader–member exchange (LMX) research typically measures quality of exchange from the subordinate's or member's perspective—LMX(m). In this research, we propose a new construct, LMX(l), which reflects a supervisor's or leader's perception of the value delivered by his or her subordinate in the exchange relationship. Together, LMX(m) and LMX(l) are expected to provide a more complete picture of dyadic exchange quality. Our results indicate relatively modest convergence between the 2 perspectives on LMX. Both LMX(m) and LMX(l) were found to relate to specific currencies of exchange provided by each dyad partner, and agreement between the 2 was negatively associated with the frequency of supervisor–employee conflict. Implications for LMX theory and future research are discussed.

Using Leader-Member Exchange Theory to Examine Principal–School Counselor Relationships, School Counselors’ Roles, Job Satisfaction, and Turnover Intentions

“…Although these constructs are distinct in LMX literature (Paglis & Green, 2002), school counselors in this study did not differentiate substantially between relationship quality and principals' propensity to share relevant decisions. Given the importance of principal decision sharing for school counselors, it is possible that this is the primary aspect of the relationship and, as such, is not a distinct construct for school counselors.…”

“…Principals might engage in behaviors that include informing, consulting, and delegating regarding decisions that are relevant to and impact school counselors and their programs. LMX researchers have demonstrated that these types of exchanges are more likely to occur in higher-quality relationships than in lower-quality relationships (Liden, Sparrow, & Wayne, 1997;Paglis & Green). Principals' decision sharing may affect role definition because school counselors are provided with information about important decisions (informing) and invited to participate in the decision-making process (consulting and delegating).…”

“…An exchange that is associated with LMX theory is superiors' (principals') propensity to share important information and decisions with subordinates (school counselors) (Paglis & Green, 2002). Principals might engage in behaviors that include informing, consulting, and delegating regarding decisions that are relevant to and impact school counselors and their programs.…”

“…This nine-item set, used in previous research (Paglis & Green, 2002), was drawn from the Managerial Practice Survey (Yukl, Wall, & Lepsinger, 1990). The items represent the construct of decision sharing and reflect the informing, consulting, and delegating behaviors in which principals may engage.…”

Resources and Constraints of Line Manager Agency in Municipal Reforms

“…Examples of frequently measured outcomes are follower satisfaction, commitment, and performance. The critique of the research line has brought forth an asymmetry in the available research, which shows that leaders' perspectives or shared perceptions are clearly underrepresented (Paglis & Green 2002;Schyns & Day 2010).…”