What if I have Two Bosses? Examining LMX Within Dual Jobholders

Abstract

The present study sheds light on a growing body of literature; dual jobholders. We examine if and how high LMX relationships at one’s second job impacts one’s work experience at the primary job. Drawing from social exchange theory, we show that dual jobholders engaged in high LMX relationships at their second job exhibit lower work engagement at their primary job. Moreover, we identify intentions to leave one’s primary job as the mediating mechanism by which the relationship between second job LMX and primary job work engagement occurs. We extend work on social exchange theory by demonstrating that resources expended toward one relationship may have leave little resources left over to devote to other relationships. We also introduce the study of a supervisory variable, LMX, into the emerging literature on dual jobholders. We highlight that dual jobholders, who have more than one supervisor, may experience work in a different manner than their single jobholding counterparts. We discuss the theoretical, research, and practical implications of our work.