A Dyadic Approach to Examining the Emotional Intelligence–Work Outcome Relationship: The Mediating Role of LMX

ABSTRACT

Adopting a dyadic approach, we examine the processes through which leader–member exchange (LMX) mediates the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and work outcomes. Fitting the data from a survey of 204 unique pairs of leaders and followers to an actor–partner independence model (APIM), we found that follower EI positively affects LMX as perceived by both dyad members, whereas leader EI is positively related to only leader ratings of LMX. Using polynomial regression, we also found that EI similarity between the leader and follower has a positive relationship with both leader and follower ratings of LMX. Follower LMX partially mediates the relationship between follower EI and attitudinal outcomes (i.e., organizational commitment and job satisfaction) and organizational citizenship behavior. Leader LMX fully mediates the effect of both leader and follower EI on evaluations of job performance. Implications and limitations are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• emotional intelligence
• leader-member exchange
• job satisfaction
• organizational commitment
• organizational citizenship behavior

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Minsu Lee

Minsu Lee received his PhD in organizational studies from the State University of New York at Albany. He is currently a professor of management at the Korea Military Academy and has taught courses in organizational behavior, leadership, human resource management, and research methodology. He can be reached at [email protected].

Clifton O. Mayfield

Clifton O. Mayfield received his PhD in organizational studies from the State University of New York at Albany. He is currently an associate professor of management at the University of Houston at Clear Lake and has taught courses in organizational behavior, organizational theory, leadership, teamwork, human resource management, and research methodology. He can be reached at [email protected].

Amanda S. Hinojosa

Amanda S. Hinojosa is an assistant professor of management at Howard University. She earned her PhD from the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University. Her research focuses on perceptions in the context of work relationships. She can be reached at [email protected].

Yooshin Im

Yooshin Im received his PhD in organizational studies from the Seoul National University in Seoul, Korea. He is currently an assistant professor of management at the Korea Military Academy and has taught courses in human resource management, leadership, and principles of management. He can be reached at [email protected].