Isn’t our relationship better? LMX as a mediator of the trustworthiness-trust relationship

Three surveys examined the role of leader–member exchange (LMX) quality as a mediator of the trustworthiness-trust relationship between 347 subordinate- supervisor dyads in multiple organizations. Although subordinate’s perception of supervisor trustworthiness was not related to supervisor’s trust, it was related to subordinate LMX, and the indirect effect of trustworthiness on trust through subordinate’s perception of LMX was significant. Additionally, empowerment moderated the relationship between subordinate’s perceptions of trustworthiness and LMX. While the LMX-subordinate relationship to supervisor trust was only marginally significant, the supervisor LMX moderation hypothesis between subordinate LMX and supervisor trust was significant but opposite from our prediction. This study demonstrates the mediating role of LMX in trust between subordinates and supervisors. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.