Trust as a multidimensional phenomenon in LMX relationships
Journal of Health Organization and Management
ISSN: 1477-7266
Article publication date: 27 October 2020
Issue publication date: 5 February 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to address the construction of trust in leader member exchange (LMX) relationships as a multidimensional phenomenon and identify the importance of emotional and collective factors contributing to this phenomenon.
Design/methodology/approach
Ten health care professionals (five leaders and five members) were interviewed to subject to qualitative thematic analysis.
Findings
Four main themes in the data were identified (work roles, collectivity, interaction and participation) and linked to two main elements of LMX trust relations: core and contextual. The results extend understanding of the construction and maintenance of trust in LMX relationships, indicating that it is a more complex and socially constructed phenomenon than previously described.
Research limitations/implications
Despite identified limitations of the study (the small amount of empirical material, interpretive research method and purposive sampling of participants), the findings reveal that constructing trust in LMX relationships is more multidimensional than generally portrayed in traditional LMX theory and its three-stage continuum. This study suggests that a broader perspective should be adopted in LMX research, treating it not only as a collective phenomenon but also considering leaders and members as emotional individuals.
Practical implications
Understanding the multidimensional nature of LMX relationships is helpful for developing interpersonal relationships in organizations and leadership practices through recognition of the importance of the transparency, practices and adequacy of mutual interaction. The results presented here may contribute to such understanding and help leaders to relate to members as both subjective individuals and parts of a complex social network. The results may also increase members' awareness of possible ways that they can promote the development of good LMX relationships in organizations.
Originality/value
The novelty of the study relates to the identification of the collective, emotional and multidimensional nature of LMX relationships.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: Helsinki University Hospital Heart and Lung Center supported this research through a grant awarded to the first author for writing this article.
Citation
Hirvi, S.K., Laulainen, S. and Taskinen, H. (2021), "Trust as a multidimensional phenomenon in LMX relationships", Journal of Health Organization and Management, Vol. 35 No. 1, pp. 17-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHOM-12-2019-0349
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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