Perceived social loafing congruence between leaders and members: Effect on performance

I measured social loafing as perceived by leaders and members independently, and assessed the effect of each party’s perception of members’ social loafing on the leader–member exchange relationship, in-role performance, organizational citizenship behavior, and knowledge-sharing behavior. Participants were 333 leader–member dyads from 12 organizations in South Korea, and data were collected in two waves. I performed polynomial regression and response surface analyses and tested the mediating effect of leader–member exchange. As hypothesized, perceived social loafing congruence had a direct effect on leader–member exchange, and an indirect effect via leader–member exchange on in-role performance, organizational citizenship behavior, and knowledge-sharing behavior. Theoretical and practical implications of congruence in perceptions of social loafing are discussed.