THE INTERACTION OF LEADER AND MEMBER CHARACTERISTICS IN THE LEADER-MEMBER EXCHANGE (LMX) MODEL OF LEADERSHIP

In this study, the interaction of leader and member characteristics is explored for its impact on the leader-member relationship. Some support was found for the importance of the interaction of leader and member characteristics: leaders with high needfor power accorded more negotiating latitude to members with high need for power, whereas leaders with low power motive accorded more negotiating latitude to members with low need for power. By contrast, no support was fou nd for the hypothesized interactive effects of leader and member genider, need for achievement, least preferred co-worker, or locus of control on member negotiating latitude. Thiese results suggest that leader-member “fit” may be defined primarily on the basis of congruence between the leader and member in how they use power and influence. © 1991, SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC. All rights reserved.