Dr. Obumneke Amadi

Pub Hlth Ldrship & Systems: Leader-Member Exchange

Introduction

In Social network theory (SNT) social relationships are viewed in terms of nodes and

ties. Nodes in context are the individual actors within the networks, and ties are the relationships

between the actors. Leader-Member Exchange theory (LMET) on the other hand are the

leadership process that is centered on the interactions between a leader and subordinates.

Comparison (Similarities and Differences) Between Leader-Member Exchange and Social Network Theory.

Both the social network theory and the leader-member exchange theories are categorized

by different similarities and differences. From the viewpoint of similarities, both theories

emphasize on the central role of relations between leaders and their individual subordinates. In

view of differences, the social network theory centers on a structure for the connections between

nodes (individuals or organizations) and different actors, whereas, the leader-member exchange

theory is generally based on the interactions between followers and leaders (Laureate Education,

2012).

Integrating Leader-Member Exchange Theory and Social Network Theory into My Personal, Unified Leadership Theory

Unified Leadership Theory is described as the development of consciousness that is basic

support for the complexity of behaviors and psychological qualities linked with leadership

(Harung, Heato, & Alexander, 1995). In order to integrate LMET AND SNT theories into my

personal theoretical framework, I have to use different strategies. Both theories are centered on

relationships and communication, therefore making it necessary to understand the different

relationships that develop between leaders and their subordinates. These relationship are placed

around certain behaviors at some degrees of consciousness towards the elements of “trust,

respect, loyalty, liking, intimacy, support, openness, and honest behavior” (Wilson, Sin, &

Conlon, 2010).

One strategy in integrating both theories in leadership has a mutual respect among leaders

and followers is greatly important such that 1). Affiliation (love): subordinates should provide

commitment and loyalty to leader while leader should provide socio-emotional support to their

subordinate e.g. motivational words. 2). Service: subordinates should make effort and

performance while Leaders should provide Good turn e.g., letter of recommendation. Another

strategy, is to strive for to design the framework for communication among the different actors

e.g. subordinates will be provided information from other nodes and ties and the leaders also

information from their executives (Wilson, Sin, & Conlon,2010; )

Personal, Unified Theory to a Public Health ScenarioIn any health care organization, doctors and nurses face crucial relationship challenges in

circumstances that require active attention. The unified theory possess the consciousness

mechanism for supporting both actors to address such challenges. In public health decision

making is very important to address matters that pose special threats e.g. unified theory have

reinforced the role of nurse managers in empowering work environments that promotes the

transfer of information in practice to provide evidence-based care. In addition, research has

shown that there are significant positive relations between positive, unified theory quality and

individual & organizational outcomes such as job fulfillment, assurance and job performance

(Davies, Wong, & Laschinger, 2011).

Reference

Davies, A., Wong, C. A., & Laschinger, H. (2011). Nurses' participation in personal knowledge transfer: The role of leader-member exchange (LMX) and structural empowerment. Journal of Nursing Management, 19(5), 632–643.

Harung, H. S., Heato, D. P., & Alexander, C. N. (1995). A unified theory of leadership: experiences of higher states of consciousness in world-class leaders. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 16(7), 44-59.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012). Leadership theory: Leader-Member exchange theory. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Wilson, K. S., Sin, H., & Conlon, D. E. (2010). What about the leader in leader-member exchange?The impact of resource exchanges and substitutability on the leader. Academy of Management Review, 35(3), 358–372.