How Does Leader‐Follower Fit or Misfit in Communication Style Matter for Work Outcomes?

Abstract

We explored how leader‐follower dyadic communication influences leader‐member exchange (LMX) quality, and how LMX quality, in turn, influences followers’ job satisfaction and task performance. Paired data were collected from 205 leader‐follower dyads in China. We conducted polynomial regression and response surface analysis to test our hypotheses. Results showed that LMX quality was higher when the leader’s communication style fitted that of the follower, and when each style fitted more closely. Furthermore, the effects of asymmetrical misfit were identified in situations where followers had higher LMX quality and better work outcomes, and when the followers’ level of task orientation was higher and interaction orientation was lower than that of their leaders. These findings highlight the pivotal roles of both leaders and followers in promoting work relationship quality.