Question

Identify communication behaviors and activities that are indicative of low vs high quality of leader-member exchange (LMX theory). What might be done to improve or change LMX quality with a boss or subordinate? Is it possible and desirable for a leader to develop in-group relationships with all subordinates? Please answer all three questions thoroughly. This should be from a communication perspective.

Answer 1

1. The LMX theory explains the relationship between the managers and the subordinates and how these relationships can contribute to the growth and the declining of the people behaviour in the work place.

The communication behaviors and activities which high quality LMX theory includes the following

• Implementing participative leadership, sharing of opinions etc.
• Optimized utilization of the training opportunities related to effective communication.
• Optimization of the resources and information communicated.
• Formal and informal ways of communication which reduces ambiguity.

The communication behaviors and activities which low quality LMX theory includes the following

• Poor interaction and communication.
• Informal communication will be mostly practiced which enhances ambiguity.
• Differences of opinions and conflicts will be of high degree.

2. IN order to improve or change the LMX quality the boss and the subordinate will have to listen and interact with each other in an effective manner. This will establish and effective communication and can build up good relationship which can contribute to positive LMX. Training and development can be given to managers and the subordinates in order to establish effective communication, resource sharing, information sharing etc.

3. The in group team members will the most trusted, committed and the loyal employee to whom the managers provide the challenging tasks. It won’t be possible to maintain the in group relationship with each other. The attitude and behaviour of each employee will be different and every one cannot be group under committed and loyal group.