This research focused on the roles of dyadic duration and growth need strength in leadership dynamics. Specifically, this study empirically examined dyadic duration and growth need strength as moderators of the relationships between supervisory leader...
This research focused on the roles of dyadic duration and growth need strength in leadership dynamics. Specifically, this study empirically examined dyadic duration and growth need strength as moderators of the relationships between supervisory leadership behavior and subordinates` attitudes and behavior in the dyadic exchange process. The findings suggest that dyadic duration or growth need strength may play roles in the relationships between leader behaviors and follower performance or satisfaction with work itself. Thus, the results imply that the longer a subordinate works for the same supervisor or the lower growth need strength he or she has, the less impact the supervisor`s leadership behavior has on performance or satisfaction with work. Conversely, the shorter a subordinate works for the same supervisor or the higher growth need strength he or she has, the more impact the supervisor`s leadership behavior has on performance or satisfaction with work. In conclusion, this study provides at least two implications. First, for managerial practices, one can take advantage of tracking dyadic duration and growth need strength as the omnibus indicators of the supervisory approach to particular supervisor-subordinate dyads. Second, for the theoretical development of leadership effects, this study suggests that it should be important to consider not only the characteristics of the leader or follower, but the temporal aspects of their relationship and subordinate`s needs for leadership.