Leader-Member Exchange and Emotion in Organizations

Abstract

Although there is now an established literature to support the basic idea that emotions are inherent in social exchange processes between leaders and followers, research exploring the role of emotions in the formation and maintenance of Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) relationships remains underdeveloped. In this chapter, we begin by establishing the background and importance of this line of research. Our chapter then proceeds in three stages. In the first, we review the underlying theories used in the literature to study the implications of emotions-related constructs for LMX development. Second, we address three key areas important for improving our understanding the nexus of LMX and emotion: (1) LMX and emotional intelligence, (2) LMX and discrete emotions, and (3) LMX and emotional labor. Finally, we discuss the challenges of the extant research and identify avenues for future research.