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http://dx.doi.org/10.13106/jafeb.2021.vol8.no6.0505

The Effect of Leader-Member Exchange on Task Performance: Evidence from Knowledge Workers in China  

CHE, Xiaoli (Ghazali Shafie Graduate School of Government (GSGSG), Universiti Utara Malaysia)
FAKHRORAZI, A. (Ghazali Shafie Graduate School of Government (GSGSG), COLGIS, Universiti Utara Malaysia)
HARIANI, Swarmilah (Ghazali Shafie Graduate School of Government (GSGSG), Universiti Utara Malaysia, Faculty of Economic and Business. Universitas Mercu Buana)
WEI-KIT, Loke (School of Tourism Management Studies, Reliance College Penang)
FOO-WAH, Lim (School of Business and Hospitality, Disted College Penang, Malaysia)
Publication Information
The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business / v.8, no.6, 2021 , pp. 505-514 More about this Journal
Abstract
This study examines the effect of leader-member exchange (LMX) on knowledge workers (k-workers)'s task performance and the mediating effect of affective commitment on the relationship between LMX and task performance; the analysis of such relationship, informed by the Social Exchange Theory, will make a theoretical contribution to k-workers' working behavior in China. The technique of data collection in this study involved 280 k-workers respondents from China to whom a self-administered questionnaire was distributed. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Square (PLS) with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) tools. The results show that LMX has a positive relationship with affective commitment and task performance. The result also confirmed the mediating effect of affective commitment on the relationship between LMX and task performance. This research provides some guidance to manage, motivate, and inspire the k-workers, and finally promote the organizational performance. The main point of the results is that it is essential for managers to keep a good and harmonious relationship with their subordinates. When the level of LMX between leaders and k-workers is high, they are more willing to stay in their organization, which is helpful to promote their task performance and brings benefit to the organizational performance.
Keywords
Knowledge Worker; Leader-Member Exchange; Affective Commitment; Task Performance;
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