Leader–member exchange (LMX) and work performance: an application of self-determination theory in the work context
基于自我决定理论，研究领导-成员交换如何通过心理需求满足和内在动机影响任务绩效、组织公民行为和反生产行为，对管理者提升员工绩效有参考价值。
Using self-determination theory (SDT) as a guiding framework, we examined the effects of leader–member exchange (LMX) on performance through psychological need satisfaction and intrinsic motivation. Lagged data was collected from 333 dental hygienists across four time points. We examined three forms of performance: task performance, organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB), and counterproductive work behaviour (CWB). LMX was positively related to all three forms of psychological need satisfaction (competence, relatedness, autonomy), autonomy need satisfaction was positively related to intrinsic motivation, and intrinsic motivation was negatively related to CWB. Overall, there were significant indirect effects from LMX to all forms of performance; however, the mediating mechanisms varied. LMX was indirectly linked to task performance through competence need satisfaction and autonomy need satisfaction, to OCB through competence need satisfaction, and to CWB through the sequential effects of autonomy need satisfaction on intrinsic motivation. Our results highlight the complexity of the LMX-performance relationship and show that SDT can help to explain the relationship, depending on the type of performance being assessed.