Surface-Level Actual Similarity Vs. Deep-Level Perceived Similarity: Predicting Leader-Member Exchange Agreement

Abstract

Drawing upon similarity-attraction theory (Byrne, 1971), we explore whether deep-level perceived similarity or surface-level actual similarity is more predictive of agreement between supervisors and subordinates about the quality of their relationship (LMX). To examine this question we analyze supervisor-subordinate agreement on four antecedents of LMX: one surface-level similarity variable (relational demography), and three deep-level similarity variables (common perspective, receptiveness, and liking). Responses from a matched set of 203 supervisor-subordinate dyads indicate that deeplevel similarity matters more than surface-level similarity since all three deep-level perceptual variables explain variance in LMX agreement above and beyond the variance explained by surface-level actual similarity.

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