Guanxi network and leader member exchange : The impetus for employee creative involvement

Purpose – This study investigated how leader-member relation and guanxi association create an impetus for creative work involvement (CWI) through feeling of energy (FE). The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 239 Malaysian-Chinese employees occupying various designations in 23 manufacturing organizations were questioned at two points of time. At the first instance, they responded for guanxi network (GN) and leader member exchange associations; and at the second instance, for their FE and creative involvement. Findings – Structural equation modeling analysis showed that social exchange relations (GN and leader member exchange) positively predicted employees' FE which resulted in increased level of CWI. Social implications – This study adds value to the existing literature on guanxi association and signifies that such values are not boundary restricted. Malaysian-Chinese also experience guanxi associations and its impact on their job outcomes. Originality/value – This study covers an unexplored role of GN in improving employees' level of energy and CWI; and mediation of leader-member exchange in the association of GN and energy.