Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

5-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Department

Business Administration

Committee Chair

Mickey B. Smith, Ph.D.

Advisor(s)

Matthew Howard, Janaki Gooty, Robyn Brouer

Abstract

This dissertation explores the consequences of mega-threats - defined by Leigh and Melwani (2019, p. 564) as large-scale negative identity related episodes that receive significant media attention - on the exchange relationship between employees and supervisors in mixed race dyads. Drawing specific attention to mega-threats centered around Black Americans, I propose that race-based traumatic stress leads minority (i.e., Black) subordinates, to experience a decrease in leader-member exchange (LMX) quality with their majority identifying (i.e., White) leader. I further propose that leader intercultural sensitivity will moderate the relationship between race-based traumatic stress and LMX quality, with high leader intercultural sensitivity helping to attenuate the negative influence of race based traumatic stress on LMX quality. Utilizing a vignette study, I empirically examine the novel idea that LMX can fluctuate, challenging the long-held belief that LMX is ecumenically stable.

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