Leader–member exchange (LMX) and work performance: an application of self-determination theory in the work context

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Abstract

Using self-determination theory (SDT) as a guiding framework, we examined the effects of leader–member exchange (LMX) on performance through psychological need satisfaction and intrinsic motivation. Lagged data was collected from 333 dental hygienists across four time points. We examined three forms of performance: task performance, organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB), and counterproductive work behaviour (CWB). LMX was positively related to all three forms of psychological need satisfaction (competence, relatedness, autonomy), autonomy need satisfaction was positively related to intrinsic motivation, and intrinsic motivation was negatively related to CWB. Overall, there were significant indirect effects from LMX to all forms of performance; however, the mediating mechanisms varied. LMX was indirectly linked to task performance through competence need satisfaction and autonomy need satisfaction, to OCB through competence need satisfaction, and to CWB through the sequential effects of autonomy need satisfaction on intrinsic motivation. Our results highlight the complexity of the LMX-performance relationship and show that SDT can help to explain the relationship, depending on the type of performance being assessed.

ISSN

1359-432X

Publisher

Informa UK Limited

Disciplines

Business

Keywords

counterproductive work behaviour, Leader–member exchange, organizational citizenship behaviour, performance, self-determination theory

Scopus ID

85176113383

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS