Subordinate-oriented strengths-based leadership and subordinate job performance: the mediating effect of supervisor–subordinate guanxi
Leadership & Organization Development Journal
ISSN: 0143-7739
Article publication date: 8 September 2020
Issue publication date: 28 October 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the present study was to examine the association of subordinate-oriented strengths-based leadership (SSBL) with subordinates’ job performance (task performance and innovative behavior) as well as the meditating role of supervisor–subordinate guanxi (SSG) in these relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
Self-report data on SSBL, SSG, task performance and innovative behavior were gathered from 642 Chinese employees working in various Chinese enterprises. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.
Findings
The results indicated that SSBL is positively related to subordinates’ job performance (task performance and innovative behavior). Furthermore, SSG partially mediated the relationship of SSBL with task performance and with innovative behavior.
Originality/value
This study is the first to empirically examine the relationship of SSBL with job performance. In addition, this study adds to the knowledge on the SSBL–job performance linkage by investigating the mediational effect of SSG on the relationship.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest. The authors are grateful to the employees who participated in this study. This study was supported by “the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2020MS046)”.
Citation
Ding, H. and Yu, E. (2020), "Subordinate-oriented strengths-based leadership and subordinate job performance: the mediating effect of supervisor–subordinate guanxi", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 41 No. 8, pp. 1107-1118. https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-09-2019-0414
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited