Essay On Leader Member Exchange Theory

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when one group or employee feels as if they are being treated differently from others that are of the same quality, value, and knowledge level as him or her.
In applying the leader – member exchange theory, it must be noted that not all exchanges between a leader and follower will be positive; but having the majority of them as positive experiences, will lay the foundation for both to have an overall good leader and follower interaction. Furthermore, as exchanges between both parties increase so do the qualities of the relationship and the roles, influences and interests, all of which will benefit the organization and those vested in the organization. In addition, when investing in a special or personal relationship with all followers, there would be no room left for questioning where one or more followers stand with the leader, as all followers would be equal in the eyes of the leader. Leaders should also provide opportunities for new roles and responsibilities to all followers and ultimately cultivate a sense of respect and trust for all employees, making the organization one big group.
Behavioral Approach Unlike the Leader – member exchange theory where it involves the interaction of the leader and the follower, the behavior approach focuses more on the behavior of the leader (Northouse, 2016). In this particular area, we are primarily interested in what the leaders do and how the leaders act in any given situation. With this particular leadership theory the leader may shift between a task level and relational level based on the current condition. Task oriented is simply getting the job done, with or without guidance, whereas relationship behavior involves attending to the needs of the followers. Not to say either is right or wrong but there is a time for everything, in a critical situation, catering to an employee’s wants or needs would not be the primary goal at hand. The behavioral approach can prove to be beneficial or detrimental based on how the leader reacts, particularly around his or her followers. This approach can show employees that they are valuable and worth leaders time and that their leader cares about their wants and their needs. This, too, can promote a strong and encouraging organizational climate. However, inversely if a leader is exclusively task oriented it would kill the climate and would cause employees to feel less valuable and potentially cause a break down within the organization. Leaders are always being observed or scrutinized by their followers, so it is important that the behavioral approach be used within and outside the confines of the organization. By making unethical or poor choices the leader may send the wrong message to the followers and cause them to lose faith in their leadership abilities. When utilizing the behavioral approach there is more than just choosing how to respond. Leaders can take their approach and how followers respond and change their behavior. It is also important for the leader to understand that even though the may leave the organization they must always continue to carry themselves in such a way as to not place their leadership abilities into question. If a leader can objectively take a look at their behavior and how it affects their followers they can not only change the behavior to something more favorable but also increase the productivity and effectiveness of their organization (Northouse, 2016). Transformational Leadership Theory Research has indicated the groups whom are lead by a transformational leader tend to have higher levels of performance and satisfaction that groups that are led by a different type leader (Riggio, 2009). Transformational leadership is all about focusing on the follower. There is nothing required on their part like the
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Ultimately leaders have to lead, they have to take the first steps and set the example. When leaders demonstrate sound judgment, put the follower’s needs above theirs, and go out of their way to reach out and connect with their followers they are creating a positive culture and inspiring their followers to be better followers and emulate their leader. It is imperative for leaders to create that positive atmosphere to maintain an effective and productive organization; if the followers are not appreciated then that will show in the productivity of the

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