LMX Theory

Pages 192-3 in the textbook talks about the LMX (Leader-Member eXchange) theory, and how the leader may interact with one member of a group more than the rest, causing an imbalance in the manner of interaction the leader has with the members of the group.

This may be the case when one member a group brings more value to the team compared to others. The manager may therefore spend more time with that member, and place greater emphasis on that member's opinions compared to others in the same group. Although this is the natural response of the manager, it may not brood well for a group where other team-members may feel resentment because only one among them gets specialized treatment.