Relationship between leader-member exchange and construction worker safety behavior: the mediating role of communication competence.

Purpose. Leader-member exchange (LMX) has widely been adopted to explore its influence on job performance. However, most previous studies considered LMX as a unidimensional construct and neglected the effects of its subdimensions, thereby reducing its practicality to improve work performance. This study empirically tested the relationship between subdimensions of LMX and safety behaviors, while incorporating communication competence as a mediator. Method. Data were collected from Chinese construction industry workers. The theoretical model was built and checked using the structural equation modeling technique. Results. The affect and contribution dimensions of LMX positively associated with safety behaviors, while the loyalty and professional respect dimensions had negative and no relations with safety behaviors respectively. These findings demonstrate that a multidimensional view on LMX should be taken while checking its effects on safety behaviors. The affect and professional respect dimensions of LMX had indirect effects on safety participation via communication competence, which illustrate the mediating role of communication competence for construction safety. This study sheds lights on safety behavior research based on the theories of LMX. Enhancing the leadership and communication skills of safety staff and fostering a supportive safety atmosphere at sites are suggested to improve construction safety performance.