Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M2526

Leader-Member Exchange

Leader-Member Exchange
BehaviorHigh supportOrganizational Behavior
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-31

CORE DEFINITION

Leaders do not treat all subordinates equally; instead, they establish differentiated relationships with in-group members (high trust, more resources, informal interactions) and out-group members (rule-bound, fewer resources).

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

- Circle reality: Acknowledge that 'differentiating closeness' is a normal organizational phenomenon. As a subordinate, one must strive to enter the 'in-group' (by taking on extra-role work); as a leader, be wary of fairness crises caused by circle rigidity.

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Anchor fast decisions

Leaders do not treat all subordinates equally; instead, they form differentiated relationships: in-group members (high trust, more resources, informal) and out-group members (rule-bound, fewer resources). The mechanism is that **relationship quality determines exchange**—leaders have limited energy, so differentiating closeness is a normal organizational phenomenon, and relationship quality affects the flow of resources and information.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leader%E2%80%93member_exchange_theoryZH · Explicit
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