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Exchange ideology in supervisor-subordinate dyads, LMX, and knowledge sharing: A social exchange perspective

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Abstract

Given the importance of knowledge sharing, we integrated a social exchange perspective to understand when individuals may or may not share their knowledge. Considering personal and relational factors, we suggest that a subordinate’s exchange ideology and LMX are significant predictors of knowledge sharing. More importantly, we propose that the dynamic interplay between supervisor-subordinate exchange ideologies is critical to determine the level of LMX and knowledge sharing via LMX. Our research highlights the importance of relational and social exchange perspective to understand the quality of LMX and subordinates’ knowledge sharing behaviors. Implications for research and management practices are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Business Administration, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea

    Seckyoung Loretta Kim

  2. Fox School of Business, Temple University, 1801 Liacouras Walk, Alter Hall 333, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA

    Soojung Han

  3. Graduate School of Defense Management, Korea National Defense University, Jae2Jayu-ro 33, DeukYang-gu, Goyang-si, South Korea

    Seung Yeon Son

  4. College of Business Administration, Seoul National University, Gwanakno 1, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 151-916, South Korea

    Seokhwa Yun

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  1. Seckyoung Loretta Kim
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Correspondence to Seung Yeon Son.

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Kim, S.L., Han, S., Son, S.Y. et al. Exchange ideology in supervisor-subordinate dyads, LMX, and knowledge sharing: A social exchange perspective. Asia Pac J Manag 34, 147–172 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10490-016-9483-y

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