Leader-follower dyads through the lens of attachment theory. Attachment style as a predictor of LMX

Scholars argue that Bowlby’s attachment theory serves as a promising framework predicting the quality of leader-follower relationships. However, testing this idea empirically has led to mixed results. In the present, basic need satisfaction and dyad tenure are introduces as moderators of the relationship between attachment style and LMX. Data were gathered from 192 leader-follower dyads. Results showed that: a) attachment style predicts LMX at the individual level, but not in dyad partner, b) basic need satisfaction moderates the relationship between leader’s anxious attachment style and follower LMX, c) dyad tenure moderates the relationship between leader’s avoidant style and follower LMX, and d) the combination of avoidant leader and anxious follower results in lower follower LMX the when follower experiences less relatedness among colleagues (triple interaction effect). The discussion emphasizes the importance of contextual factors when studying the link between attachment and LMX.