Chapter 9: The Job Characteristics Model and LMX-MMX Leadership

The Job Characteristics Model (JCM) focuses on the fit between the job’s motivating potential and the jobholder as the basis for explaining the relationship between job enrichment and employee reactions. The theory, however, fails to systematically analyze the process which determines the level of fit between the job and the jobholder. In this paper we systematically analyze how the incorporation of LMX-MMX components into the JCM premises would enhance our knowledge and understanding of the leader’s role in influencing and facilitating the fit between job and jobholder. We specifically focus on how LMX-MMX may facilitate the fit between the job and the job incumbent by: (a) helping the individual to better manage the demands of his/her current job; and (b) helping the individual to proactively change (craft) the job characteristics to create a better fit with his or her own needs and abilities. We also discuss how future research can help further integrate the two literatures to enhance our understanding of employees’ psychological and behavioral reactions in the area of job design.