The Role of Subordinate Performance and Ingratiation in Leader-Member Exchanges

Abstract

This study examined the contribution of subordinate performance and ingratiation to the quality of leader-member exchanges. It was predicted that subordinate performance would be positively associated with higher quality exchanges. It was also hypothesized that subordinate-ingratiating activity, including opinion conformity, other enhancement, and self-presentation, would augment performance in the prediction of higher quality exchanges. From the perspective of both subordinates and their immediate supervisors (152 dyads), a heterogeneous sample provided ingratiation and quality of leader-member exchange survey data. Supervisors also submitted subordinate performance ratings. Hierarchical regression analysis supported the two hypotheses. Furthermore, other enhancement and opinion conformity were positively linked with higher quality exchanges. The findings sustain and advance previous research examining subordinate performance, ingratiation, and higher quality exchanges. The limitations and implications of the results are addressed.