Leader-Member Exchange Theory Discussion
The leader-member exchange theory (LMX) is a type of leadership that is keen on establishing and maintaining working relationships between the leader and the followers. It focuses on working in close collaboration with the followers by engaging them in every step of administration and decision making (Day & Miscenko, 2016). It is for this reason that it is termed as a relationship-based approach to leadership because it is premised on a solid bond between the leader and the followers: a condition referred to the as dyadic relationship. It is worth noting that dyadic ties and friendship are distinguishable based on several factors. First, whereas dyadic relationship is a formal engagement between a leader and the subjects in which both parties must execute, friendship maybe informal, for instance, the friendship of a child to the parents where the child has no obligation to the parents, besides, it is imperative to mention that all dyadic relationships are premised on mutual benefits where the leaders enjoy true servanthood while follower expect rewards following their submission and allegiance.
On the contrary, some friendships are unidirectional in that only one party may be gaining benefits. In friendship, there are no formal obligations or duties that a friend has to perform to the other. On the other hand, in a dyadic relationship, the tie is a formal one with responsibilities and obligations. Besides, some checks and balances regulate the relationship (Day & Miscenko, 2016). Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
In most cases, the LMX theory of leadership promotes the positive aspects of personal relationships between leaders and their followers. However, there are leaders and followers alike who may not have a personal relationship with their colleagues. In a work environment, this is very detrimental since it discourages building strong bonds that would yield trust and dedication. Again, individuals who do not know how to develop and maintain personal relationships may not benefit from diversity since they will remain enclosed to their traditions and personal tastes and preferences (Day & Miscenko, 2016).
References
Day, D. & Miscenko, D (2016). Bauer, Talya; Erdogan, Berrin (eds.). Leader-Member Exchange (LMX): Construct Evolution, Contributions, and Future Prospects for Advancing Leadership Theory. New York, NY 10016: Oxford University Press.