When my supervisor dislikes you more than me: The effect of dissimilarity in leader–member exchange on coworkers’ interpersonal emotion and perceived help.

• DOI: 10.1037/a0033862
• Publication Date: 2013-07-29T18:08:27Z
• Authors: Herman H. M. Tse; Catherine K. Lam; Sandra A. Lawrence; Xu Huang
• Keywords: Contempt; Similarity (geometry); Interpersonal interaction; Social exchange theory; Interpersonal perception

According to balance theory (Heider, 1958), when 2 coworkers develop different levels of leader-member exchange (LMX) relationships with their supervisor, a triadic relational imbalance will arise among the 3 parties that may result in hostile sentiments and poor social interactions between them. This study examines consequences psychological processes (dis)similar LMX on interpersonal coworkers. Using data from independent studies, results relations analyses show (a) actual (dis)similarity Coworkers A B increases Coworker A's feelings contempt for decreases perception help received (Study 1); (b) is more likely experience perceives he/she has higher or lower level compared than his/her similar B's 2); (c) these only hold true employees high comparison orientation (SCO) both Studies 1 2. Particularly, Study 1, we also crucial mediator transmits interactive effect SCO perceptions Furthermore, an average perceived positively related sales performance individual employees.