The role of leader‐member exchange in high turnover work environments

Purpose – To assess the role of leader‐member exchange (LMX) in affecting voluntary turnover in a high turnover work context. Design/methodology/approach – Following consideration of traditional predictors of employee turnover, how LMX is related to voluntary turnover is examined among 207 over‐the‐road truck drivers using a telephone survey. Findings – Leader member exchange is found to be nonlinearly related to turnover such that turnover is lowest when LMX is moderate (i.e. both “bad” and “good” LMX are associated with higher levels of turnover). Research limitations/implications – Findings indicate that LMX and other antecedents should be examined for nonlinear relationships to turnover. This research may help to bridge the gap between turnover research and that associated with supervision and leadership. Practical implications – These study results suggest that unrealistic expectations should not be formed regarding the power of any single factor (e.g. LMX) to reduce turnover. Originality/value – This paper suggests that nonlinear relationships between antecedents of turnover and turnover receive fuller consideration.