Trust as a multidimensional phenomenon in LMX relationships

Leader's Possession of Linguistic Intelligence in Relation to Leader-Member Exchange Theory

When practicing high-quality leader-member exchange (LMX) theory, the leader's ability to communicate, build and maintain relationships is a vital part. Because leader-member exchange theory is a relationship-based approach to leadership that primarily includes social exchange and communication on a daily basis, we can highlight linguistic intelligence as a key leadership skill that is part of the multiple intelligences defined by Howard Gardner. The goal of this article was to conduct research into organizations where the leader applies LMX theory and examine whether the leader's linguistic intelligence is positively related to the quality of the leader-member exchange. The dependent variable was the quality of the LMX. We were able to recruit 39 employees and 13 leaders. Correlations and multiple regressions were used to analyze our statement. The overall results are statistically significant and we conclude that there is a high positive correlation between LMX and linguistic intelligence in the organizations that were part of this study. A limitation of this study is the use of purposive sampling, which resulted in a relatively small sample size and may limit the generalization of the results to other populations.

Working together, thinking differently? HRM practices and trust in the health care context

PURPOSE

Providing health care services requires collaboration between several occupations. This study aimed to reveal how three occupational groups (nurses, physicians, and administrators) perceive human resources management practices (HRMP) and whether these practices are differently associated with trust in the clinic manager.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH

The study included 290 employees from 29 primary care clinics, all affiliated with a health care organisation that operates in the public sector. Self-reporting questionnaires measured participants' perceptions of six HRMP across occupations and their association with trust in the clinic manager. Variation between occupational groups was analysed through one-way analysis of variance (for groups' perceptions of HRMP and trust in manager) and t-tests (for the association between perceived HRMP and trust in manager).

FINDINGS

The results indicate some differences in perceived HRMP and trust across groups. Also, some differences were found across occupations regarding the relationship between HRMP and trust in the clinic manager: Nurses' perceptions significantly differed from those of physicians and administrators, yet there was no significant difference between the two latter groups.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Health care organisations should expand their human resources architecture and customise their HRMP for each occupational group based on that group's perceptions of the workplace. This can nurture trust in managers and create a climate for trust as a mechanism that encourages employees from distinct occupational groups to work together for the benefit of their clinic, organisation, and patients.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE

This study contributes to the discussion about the contextualisation of HRMP, providing insights regarding perceptions of HRMP as an enabler of an organisation's strategy.