Leader-Member Exchange Social Comparisons and Follower Outcomes: The Roles of Felt Obligation and Psychological Entitlement
Lee, A; Gerbasi, AM; Schwarz, G; et al.Newman, A
Date: 21 November 2018
Journal
Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology
Publisher
Wiley / British Psychological Society
Publisher DOI
Abstract
In the current study, we aim to extend the understanding of how and when leader-member
exchange social comparison (LMXSC) influences followers’ work behaviour. Based on social
exchange theory, we argue that felt obligation to one’s leader is a mediator of the relationship
between LMXSC and follower outcomes. Further, we posit that ...
In the current study, we aim to extend the understanding of how and when leader-member
exchange social comparison (LMXSC) influences followers’ work behaviour. Based on social
exchange theory, we argue that felt obligation to one’s leader is a mediator of the relationship
between LMXSC and follower outcomes. Further, we posit that the relationship between LMXSC
and felt obligation will occur over and above overall LMX quality. We also investigate whether
the effect of LMXSC is not consistent across employees but influenced by their level of
psychological entitlement (PE). We found evidence that LMXSC was associated with followers’
organizational commitment in Study 1 (using data collected in two phases from 188 employees)
and both organizational commitment and job performance in Study 2 (based on data collected in
two phases from 300 employees and their 34 supervisors) via felt obligation toward the leader. In
both studies, we found this relationship was significant while controlling for LMX quality,
suggesting that perceptions of relative LMX standing are more influential than overall LMX
quality. Moreover, high levels of PE reduced employees’ feelings of obligation to reciprocate
positive treatment and the extent to which they exhibit higher levels of organizational commitment
and job performance. Our findings show that individual differences play a significant role in
determining the outcomes of exchange relationships.
Management
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
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