Research into Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory has been gaining momentum in recent years, with a multitude of studies investigating many aspects of LMX in organizations. Theoretical development in this area also has undergone many refinements, and the current theory is far different from the early Vertical Dyad Linkage (VDL) work. This
article uses a
levels perspective to trace the development of LMX through four evolutionary stages of theorizing and investigation up to the present.
The article also uses a domains perspective to develop a new
taxonomy of approaches to
leadership, and LMX is discussed within this taxonomy as a relationship-based approach to leadership. Common questions and issues concerning LMX are addressed, and directions for future
Research are provided. Since its inception over 25 years ago, the conceptualization of Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory has undergone many refinements. What began as an alternative to average leadership style (Vertical Dyad Linkage) has progressed to a prescription for generating more effective leadership through the development and maintenance of mature leadership relationships. In the process, as elaborated in this article, the theory has been considered from several levels of analysis: from a focus on differences within
groups (group-
Level effect) to a focus on dyads regardless of groups (dyad-level effect) to most recently a focus on the combination of dyads into groups and networks (dyads within groups effect). Examination of the theory from each of these levels raises many unique and important issues and questions, the answers to which will likely advance our thinking about leadership. Thus, the present article adopts a levels perspective to trace the evolution of LMX and provide readers with an overview of the most current developments in LMX theory and research. In order to do this, we first attempt to explain where LMX fits into leadership theory by describing LMX in terms of an overall taxonomy of leadership approaches. This taxonomy was generated by a consideration of levels issues and classifies leadership theories according to the domain addressed by the three facets of leadership (e.g., leader, follower, relationship). Discussion of the taxonomy and where LMX fits into it is followed by a brief review of the four stages in the evolution of LMX (and the level of analysis in each) and a summary of current theorizing and empirical support for the model. Based upon this discussion, suggestions for research and practice are offered.
More summaries about the Development of LMX Theory of Leadership Over 25 Years