DYADIC LEADER MEMBER EXCHANGE: AN INTERACTIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) was originally conceptualized as a process through which the working relationship between leader and member is negotiated through a series of interactions. However, previous research on LMX has focused primarily on the working relationship and neglected the interaction upon which the relationship is build. Such a practice has greatly hindered the development of LMX theories because it excludes more fine-grained leadership theories, underestimates contextual factors and is ineffective in modeling the dynamics of leader-member relationship. Drawing on the general theories of social interaction, Social Exchange Theory (SET) and Leader Member Exchange (LMX), this dissertation proposes Leader Member Interaction (LMI) as a possible solution and a promising domain for leadership research.