The impact of relational demography and communication apprehension on follower perceptions of leader–follower relationships in the hospitality industry

Abstract

PurposeThe paper aims to clarify the multivariate effects of follower communication apprehension (CA) and demographic dissimilarity on follower perceptions of the leader–follower relationship quality (i.e. measured by leader–member exchange (LMX) theory). This study examined the possible mediating effects of follower CA on the relationship between demographic dissimilarity and LMX.Design/methodology/approachResearch was collected from self-report ratings of one member of the dyad; several proactive techniques were utilized to reduce common method variance in the development and administration of the survey instrument. In total, 260 (N = 260) full-time hospitality industry employees participated in the study.FindingsThe results of this study indicate demographic dissimilarity has minimal effect on LMX and CA. However, the results indicated that follower CA was negatively related to follower perceptions of LMX quality. In addition, the results indicated that tenure working with the supervisor was negatively related to follower CA and positively related to follower perceptions of LMX quality.Research limitations/implicationsResearch results may lack generalizability, and causality cannot be confirmed. Future studies utilizing longitudinal designs and/or data collected from each member of the dyad may provide support for current findings.Practical implicationsThis paper includes implications for understanding how situational characteristics influence follower CA and perceptions of LMX to encourage supervisors to increase communication with new subordinates, especially during the organizational acculturation process, thus reducing turnover. Furthermore, the significant relationship between age dissimilarity and CA offers practical implications for managing and celebrating generational differences in the workplace and bridging the gap between generations by maximizing communication between supervisors and subordinates. Communication is an essential consideration in the hospitality industry linked to creativity, relationship building and enhanced service experiences. Ultimately, this paper provides guidance for leaders to build sustainable, positive relationships with subordinates through more effective communication and build more inclusive service-based organizations.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to communication and leadership management practices by addressing four major problems: (1) limited research on situational characteristics that inhibit LMX quality, (2) limited research on communication variables as antecedents to LMX, (3) minimal research on the relationship between CA and LMX and (4) non-existent research on CA as a mediating variable in the relationship between demographic dissimilarity and LMX.

Analyzing hospitality leader–follower dyads with polynomial regression: a critical reflection

“…The nature and fast-paced environment of service work require frequent interactions between employees and supervisors to handle various customer issues. Studies related to dyadic phenomena can provide insights into employee mentoring, training and selection (Jones-Carmack and Criscione-Naylor, 2021). For instance, in hotel management trainee programs, a mentor acts as an advisor throughout the program.…”

“…A comprehensive understanding of the dyadic perceptions of leaders and followers in the context of hospitality work is particularly important (Elkhwesky et al , 2022; Jones-Carmack and Criscione-Naylor, 2021; Hoang et al , 2021). Leader–follower relationships influence many important work outcomes in the hospitality industry, such as turnover intention, psychological contract breaches and organizational commitment (Chen and Wu, 2017; Kim et al , 2017).…”

“…A comprehensive understanding of the dyadic perceptions of leaders and followers in the context of hospitality work is particularly important (Elkhwesky et al, 2022;Jones-Carmack Funding: 1. National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant #: 72101224).…”

“…and Criscione-Naylor, 2021;Hoang et al, 2021). Leader-follower relationships influence many important work outcomes in the hospitality industry, such as turnover intention, psychological contract breaches and organizational commitment (Chen and Wu, 2017; Kim et al, 2017).…”

Demografya, İletişimde Kader Midir? Ön Lisans ve Lisans Düzeyindeki Öğrencilerin Sözlü İletişim Becerilerinin Demografik Değerlendirmesi

“…Ağdaş kamular şeklinde öz-örgütlenen yeni tip topluluklar, özellikle iletişimdeki araçsallaşmanın artışıyla birlikte giderek daha fazla yöndeşirler. Jenkins (2006) için yöndeşme/yakınsama kültüründe insanların medyayı kendi ellerine almalarını sağlayan katılım kültürü, iletişim adına çok şeyi yeniden düşünmeyi ve dönüşümü gerektirir. "Medyayı ele alma" deyimi birincil anlamda mobil teknolojilere yorulabilecek bir betimleme iken, metaforik olarak ise içerik üzerindeki enstrümantal kontrole yorulabilir.…”