Leader-Member Exchange, the "Pelz Effect," and Cooperative Communication between Group Members

This study explored effects of differential quality of leader-member exchange on cooperative communication among members of work groups. Findings suggest that the nature of an individual's own exchange with his or her leader and his or her leader's upward leader-member exchange have significant impact on perceived use of cooperative communication among coworkers. Furthermore, results of this study provide evidence of a tight linkage between vertical dyads and horizontal relationships with respect to cooperative communication.