Revisiting leader-member exchange theory: insights into stadia management

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating impacts of leader-member exchange (LMX) theory on the relationship between job satisfaction, organisational commitment and performance of staff operating in stadia and arenas hosting sport events. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative methods approach was used to gather the data. In total, 146 surveys were completed from stadia hosting sport events in London, Dubai and Doha. Data were analysed using SPSS. Findings LMX fully mediated the relationship between job satisfaction and organisational commitment. LMX fully mediated the relationship between job satisfaction and job performance. In addition, job satisfaction was positively and directly related to job performance as well as organisational commitment. Research limitations/implications In-depth interviews approach is also needed to understand how employees perceive their supervisors, managers, or leaders in stadia hosting sport events. Originality/value The paper advances leadership research in stadia hosting sport events that links the impacts of LMX theory on job satisfaction, organisational commitment and performance.