Effects of leader-member exchange and locus of control on job attitudes: the mediation of psychological empowerment

Authors: Chun-Hsi Vivian Chen, Wei-Chieh Chang, Hsu-Mei Lee, Mei-Ling Yuan

Journal: Chiao Da Management Review. Dec. 2012, 32(2): 77-104.

Keywords: Leader-Member Exchange; Locus of Control; Psychological Empowennent; Job Satisfaction; Affective Commitment; lntention to Leave

Abstract:
This study examines the inf1uence of leader-member exchange (LMX) and locus of control on psychological empowerment, and the subsequent effect of psychological empowennent on employees' job satisfaction, affective commitment, and intention to leave. Data were collected from 316 R&D engineers in Taiwan. The results confirmed that LMX and locus of control have significant effects on employees’ psychological empowement. Psychological empowerment has a positive effect on employees' job satisfaction and affective commitment, and a negative effect on their intention to leave. It is also found that psychological empowerment fully mediates the relationships between LMX, employees' job satisfaction, and affective commitment. ln addition, psychological empowennent fully mediates the relationship between employees' locus of control and affective commitment. The findings suggest that the cultivation of a good LMX and selection of employees with intemal locus of control are conducive to elevating employees' perceived psychological empowerment, and thus yielding a higher level of job satisfaction and affective commitment on employees.