Leader-member exchange and follower trust in leader: The moderating effect of leader emotional expressivity

Abstract

This research attempts to explain the moderating effect of leader emotional expressivity on the relationship between leader-member exchange (LMX) and follower trust in leader. Accordingly, quantitative data, collected via survey administration to front-line employees of service-rendering companies from Istanbul was used to test the hypotheses. The findings of this study revealed that the strength of leader emotional expressivity weakened the positive contributions of LMX to follower trust in leader for leaders who engage in a high level of LMX. On the other hand, higher leader emotional expressivity compensates for the low levels of LMX relationship in terms of increasing follower trust in leader.