Linking leader-member exchange, work engagement, project success and turnover intentions of construction project managers

Abstract

The study aimed to identify linkages between leader-member exchange, project success and the turn over intentions of construction project managers in the South African construction industry. The role of work engagement as a mediator was tested within these linkages. This quantitative cross-sectional research study examined the views on LMX, work engagement, project success and turnover intention of 209 project managers active in the construction industry. A structural equation model and a hierarchical linear regression were carried out to test the hypothesis. The results of the study found significant positive relationships between LMX and work engagement, between work engagement and project success, and a significant negative relationship between work engagement and turnover intentions. Work engagement was also identified as a mediator in the relationship between LMX and projects success and the relationship between LMX and turnover intention. Companies operating in the construction industry are challenged more and more to deliver successful projects as projects make up a large part of business revenue, this indicates to a greater need to investigate the factors that influence project success. The study examined the relationship between managers and project managers involved in the construction industry who ultimately affect project outcomes. The outcomes of the research confirm the importance of the relationship between leaders and their subordinates and the importance of fostering work engagement with employees.