Development and Preliminary Validation of a New Scale (LMX-6) to Measure Leader-Member Exchange in Organizations

Abstract

Based on conceptualizing leader-member exchange quality as comprised of the three subdimensions of perceived contribution to the exchange, loyalty, and positive affect, a short (6-item) new LMX scale was developed (LMX-6). Using data from two samples (N = 281 and 115), the three-dimensional structure of the new scale was confirmed by multiple maximum likelihood confirmatory factors analyses in each sample separately. The two-and one-week test-retest stability of the new scale was established in a third (N = 86) and fourth (N = 44) sample, and acceptable internal-consistency estimates of reliability obtained for all four samples. The LMX-6 scale showed a high (.82) and statistically significant (p < .001) correlation with a commonly-used measure of leader-member exchange in the fourth sample. Finally, in the first two samples, concurrent correlations with autocratic and delegative decision-making, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and rated job performance supported the validity of the new scale. Directions for future research are briefly discussed.

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