About the Authors: Drs. Jackie and Milton Mayfield are currently assistant professors of management at Texas A&M International University. They have done extensive research and consulting in the areas of leadership development, organizational communication, and health care management. The authors are also currently working on a new systems approach to organizational development. For further information, the authors can be contacted at College of Business, Texas A&M International University, 5201 University Boulevard, Laredo, TX 78041-1999, jmayfield@tamiu.edu, or (956) 326-2533.
Executive SummaryAn understanding of leader-member exchange (LMX) theory gives leaders a powerful tool for increasing a wide range of worker outcomes. Leaders using this theory can maximize superior-subordinate relationships. These improved work relationships can lead to enhanced worker performance of over 20%, and worker job satisfaction improvements of over 50%. Strengthening LMX relationships is largely a matter of understanding the LMX process and increasing relevant leader-worker communications. This paper provides an overview of LMX theory and gives guidelines for developing high quality LMX relationships.