From Deep-Level Similarity to Subordinate : The Mediating Role of Leader-Member Exchange

Fostering subordinate is a significant method to improve the cooperating quality and promote positive outcomes. However, little is known about the influencing factors and mechanisms of subordinate . To address this issue and explore the influencing factors of subordinate , we draw on self-categorization theory to develop a mediation model to examine whether and how deep-level similarity affects subordinate , casting the leader-member exchange (LMX) as a mediator. A two-wave online survey was conducted and 316 data was collected. A Structure Equation Modeling analysis was used to test all hypotheses with Mplus 7. Results showed that the deep-level similarity could positively predict subordinate and LMX, respectively. Additionally, LMX was a significant predictor of subordinate as well as it mediated the positive relationships between deep-level similarity and subordinate . These findings expand our understanding of the antecedents of subordinate . It is suggested that developing subordinates' deep-level similarity with supervisors and LMX relationships are instrumental in cultivating subordinate which promote positive outcomes. Organizations should integrate effective management programs into managerial strategies to enhance deep-level similarity and LMX, in turn, fosters subordinate .