An exploratory study of leader-member exchange in China, and the role of Guanxi in the LMX process

PhD Thesis


Latham, Gwenda. 2012. An exploratory study of leader-member exchange in China, and the role of Guanxi in the LMX process. PhD Thesis Doctor of Philosophy. University of Southern Queensland.
Title

An exploratory study of leader-member exchange in China, and the role of Guanxi in the LMX process

TypePhD Thesis
Authors
AuthorLatham, Gwenda
SupervisorGordon, Raymond
Rose, Dennis
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
Qualification NameDoctor of Philosophy
Number of Pages193
Year2012
Abstract

This thesis investigated how guanxi was related to exchange relationships between supervisors and subordinates in China. Since guanxi is a relationship-based phenomenon and extends into all levels and domains of Chinese society, it was argued that it would be associated with the relationships that were established between supervisors and subordinates.
This thesis used a model of both 'supervisors and subordinates' perspectives of leader member exchange (LMX) and the impact of guanxi on those relationships. The thesis replicated some established relationships, and then added to the literature by providing an elaboration of how guanxi is related to LMX through its different dimensions. A multi-dimensional approach to LMX and a differential behaviours approach to guanxi were used to test hypotheses. In order to establish guanxi's influence on leadership relations in China, this thesis used LMX as the dependent variable, which was measured using the multi-dimensional LMX-MDM scale. The thesis first tested the variables of perceived similarity, perceived liking and perceived subordinate performance as antecedents of LMX, since previous research in western countries had found them to be predictors of LMX (Engle & Lord 1997; Kacmar et al. 2009; Liden et al. 1993). Guanxi was introduced as a moderating variable, since it was hypothesized that it would influence the relationships between the three predictor variables and LMX-MDM.

KeywordsChina; guanxi; interpersonal communication; supervisors; subordinates; Chinese society; LMX
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020350709. Organisation and management theory
470108. Organisational, interpersonal and intercultural communication
350711. Organisational planning and management
Byline AffiliationsFaculty of Business and Law
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Related outputs

Beware of different guanxi measurements when doing research in China
Latham, Gwenda and Gordon, Raymond. 2009. "Beware of different guanxi measurements when doing research in China ." Beaumont, Nicholas (ed.) 23rd Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management Conference (ANZAM 2009). Melbourne, Australia 01 - 04 Dec 2009 Melbourne, Australia.