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Benevolent leadership and follower performance: The mediating role of leader–member exchange (LMX)

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Abstract

This study examines leader–member exchange (LMX) as a mediator of the relationship between benevolent leadership and follower task performance and extra-role performance. Using a sample of 223 leader–member dyads in a nonprofit organization in the People’s Republic of China, results indicate that benevolent leadership and LMX are positively related to follower task performance and organizational citizenship behavior towards the organization (OCBO). Findings also support that LMX partially mediates the relationship between benevolent leadership and follower task performance as well as fully mediates the relationship between benevolent leadership and OCBO. Implications for the theory and practice of leadership in Asia are discussed.

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  1. Department of Management and Marketing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong

    Simon C. H. Chan & Wai-ming Mak

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Chan, S.C.H., Mak, Wm. Benevolent leadership and follower performance: The mediating role of leader–member exchange (LMX). Asia Pac J Manag 29, 285–301 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10490-011-9275-3

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