The Congruence Effects of Leader and Group-rated LMX Differentiation on Relational Conflict

Abstract

Drawing upon role theory pertaining to sent and received role expectations, we examine leader-member exchange (LMX) differentiation from both group members’ and leaders’ perspectives. More specifically, we investigate the relationship between the agreement of leader-rated and group-rated rated LMX differentiation and member perceived relationship conflict. We argue that the level of relational conflict is lower when group-rated LMX differentiation aligns with leader-rated LMX differentiation. Further, we expect that vertical collectivism climate moderates this relationship such that the congruence effect is weaker when vertical collectivism climate is high. The results of cross-level polynomial regression and response surface analyses on 65 groups generally supported the hypotheses regarding the congruence effect of leader-group agreement in LMX differentiation on relational conflict and the moderating role played by a group’s vertical collectivism climate.