Abstract (eng)
In a field study of 851 co-workers and 86 middle-managers, the immediate supervisors, in different health-care organizations within Austria, the quality of work life was investigated. For each group – co-workers and immediate supervisors – a questionnaire was applicated for measuring leader-member exchange (LMX), burnout and engagement.
The aim of the current study was to identify substantial relationships between leader-member exchange, burnout and engagement concerning their subdimensions. It was an initial step for linking the different concepts to each other. The first time LMX, as a new leadership theory was brought in connection to nursing in Austria. Additionally attention has been brought to the self-serving bias. To investigate whether significant differences between self and employee ratings LMX was assessed with are LMX-7 measures in both versions (supervisor and employee).
A multi level analysis was conducted. Regression models estimated separately for each dimension of burnout at individual level (depersonalization, emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment) indicate a negative relationship with LMX. At group level, no significant effects could be identified. Also regression models between LMX and each dimension of engagement (vigor, dedication and absorption) indicate substantial relationships at individual level but not at group level.
The study contributes to the theoretical framework of self-serving bias, which can be taken as proofed for this sample. Furthermore supports have been found with regard to the positive effects of LMX on burnout and engagement.