Social and economic leader–member exchange relationships and career success: a lifespan developmental perspective

Drawing on the social exchange theory, this study examines the relationship between social and economic leader-member exchange (LMX) relationships and career success, and how these two types of LMX relationships affect career success from a lifespan perspective. The results from a dyadic field study with 196 employees and their leaders showed that social LMX predicted subjective career success, while economic LMX predicted employee objective career success rated by leaders. A learning goal orientation (LGO) moderated the relationship between social LMX and subjective career success, such that the relationship was stronger for employees with a strong LGO. Finally, the findings partially supported a three-way interaction. For younger employees, economical LMX had a negative impact on subjective career success for employees with a strong LGO. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.