Leader‐Member Exchange (LMX) and performance: a meta‐analytic review

Robin Martin*, Yves Guillaume, Geoff Thomas, Allan Lee, Olga Epitropaki

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)67–121
Number of pages54
JournalPersonnel Psychology
Volume69
Issue number1
Early online date25 Apr 2015
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

Bibliographical note

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Martin, R, Guillaume, Y, Thomas, G, Lee, A & Epitropaki, O 2015, 'Leader‐Member Exchange (LMX) and performance: a meta‐analytic review' Personnel psychology, vol Accepted article, which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/peps.12100. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.

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