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Abstract

Based on a resource perspective, the authors investigated how leader–follower power distance value incongruence influences employees’ withdrawal behavior. Data were collected twice in China, and the sample included 66 leaders and 350 followers. Leader–follower power distance value incongruence was found to be associated with the psychological workplace strain experienced by followers, indicating that incongruence was a stressor for this group and further influenced their withdrawal behavior. Moreover, incongruence had asymmetrical effects; that is, followers experienced higher psychological workplace strain when their power distance was lower than that of their leaders, compared with when their power distance was higher. The authors also found that the leader’s role can make a difference, as the leaders’ political skill mitigated the effect of value incongruence on their followers’ psychological workplace strain. The study provides a novel extension of value congruence theory and also contributes to the field of value conflict management.

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