Assessing the dimensionality of three LMX instruments within a diverse cultural and linguistic context

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Authors

Grobler, Anton
Mathafena, Rose Boitumelo

Issue Date

2021

Type

Article

Language

Keywords

leader-member exchange (LMX) , LMX measurement , construct validity , external validity

Research Projects

Organizational Units

Journal Issue

Alternative Title

Abstract

Multiple versions of the Leader-member exchange (LMX) instruments are widely utilized for exploring the quality of exchange between the leader/supervisor and the employees in leadership studies. Despite widespread usage, validation studies outside the USA are scarce. The purpose of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of three versions of LMX instruments in the South African context. The factor structure, validity, and reliability of the respective versions were explored. The sample comprised of employees from the private (3598) and public (2640) sectors, from 106 organizations, across three independent studies. A three-factor structure was reported for 11 and 12 item instruments, which is different from the original four factor structure. The unidimensional 7 item instrument reported exceptionally good fit. The results of this study are useful for leadership researchers within the South African context, as they can use the LMX instruments with confidence, but it raises a question about the common practice of using foreign developed instruments for research purposes without testing its transferability to that specific context.

Description

Citation

Grobler, A & Mathafena, RB. (2021) Assessing the dimensionality of three LMX instruments within a diverse cultural and linguistic context. PSIHOLOGIJA , 54(1): 33-48.

Publisher

License

Journal

Volume

Issue

PubMed ID

DOI

ISSN

1451-9283

EISSN