The Congruence of Leader-Member Exchange and Organizational Health

Date of Award

12-1-2023

Degree Name

Ed.D. in Leadership for Organizations

Department

Department of Educational Administration

Advisor/Chair

Advisor: Kevin Kelly

Abstract

This research aimed to explore the correlation between Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) and Organizational Health (OH) within an educational context, focusing on three elementary schools in the Kinship Independent School District. The LMX-7 instrument was used to assess the quality of relationships, trust levels, and perceived obligations between leaders and followers. Additionally, the OHI-E measure was utilized to gauge followers' perceptions of each other, access to resources, student achievement, community pressures, and the principal's approachability and friendliness. The objective of this research was to improve rapport, trust, and sense of responsibility between principals and staff members, leading to enhanced organizational health within the KISD. By addressing deficiencies in leader-follower relationships, the study aimed to contribute towards creating a positive educational environment. The study highlighted the deficiencies in the KISD's organizational knowledge record, particularly in providing standardized and valid assessment tools for principals to evaluate LMX and OH. By supplying principals with comprehensive insights, they would be empowered to make informed decisions, create meaningful relationships, and drive positive changes within their schools. The intended audience for this research was principals, directors, teachers, and staff members in the KISD, aiming to provide them with relevant information regarding LMX and OH. By comparing perceptions of followers and principals, the study sought to offer valuable insights into the degree of concordance between them. The research questions addressed in the study focused on comparing perceptions of LMX and OH between followers and principals. The study allowed an investigation into the relationship between LMX quality and OH perceptions. The utilization of multiple assessment tools, such as LMX and OHI-E, offered benefits for organizations to improve their leadership dynamics, relationships, and overall effectiveness. However, the study had limitations, including a small participant sample from three elementary schools in a single district, limiting generalizability. The study also didn't include the perceptions of parents, community members, and students. Further research with a larger and more diverse sample is recommended to support or dispute the findings under different circumstances. Practical recommendations included the collection of LMX and OH data throughout the school year, providing baseline data to address relational concerns and adjust interventions. Collection at the beginning and end of the year would provide growth opportunities for the subsequent school year. In conclusion, this research aimed to improve leader-follower relationships and organizational health within the KISD by exploring the correlation between LMX and OH. By addressing deficiencies, offering insights, and providing assessment tools, the study sought to contribute to the creation of a positive educational environment and enhance the effectiveness of school leaders.

Keywords

Leader-Member Exchange, Leadership, Followership, Relationships, Elementary Schools, Organizational Health

Rights Statement

Copyright © 2023, author.

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