LMX quality, supervisory communication and team-oriented commitment: A multilevel analysis approach

Abstract

Purpose – Researches have documented the impact of dyadic communication and relationships on individual behavior in workgroups. However, communication remains as the background element in leadership and management literature as opposed to being the primary process in the leader-member relationships development. The purpose of this paper is to establish and interpret the appropriate level of analysis based on the correlation between leader-member exchange (LMX) quality, supervisory communication and team-oriented commitment in a Malaysian organization setting. Design/methodology/approach – A survey from a Malaysian organization (n=201) is analyzed on the relationships between LMX quality, supervisory communication and commitment using within and between analysis (WABA). Findings – The individual dyad relationships and communication correlates with team-oriented commitment at the group level. Therefore, LMX quality and supervisory communication influence overall team-oriented commitment in a work group. Research limitations/implications – Given that the analyses are based on self-report in one organization, these results have to be handled carefully. Practical implications – The results implied that the relationship between dyadic relationships quality, supervisory communication and team-orientated commitment is best connected if individual workers in work group are encouraged to communicate their needs to supervisors. As such, the worker's ability to communicate mutually about relationships (LMX quality and positive relationships communication) and work (upward openness and job relevant communication) with their immediate supervisor implicates both personal fit and work group functioning. Originality/value – The results extend the authors' understanding of LMX quality, supervisory communication and team-oriented commitment by identifying the specific form levels of analysis in a Malaysian organization setting. © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited