Date

4-29-2026

Department

School of Communication and the Arts

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Media (PhD)

Chair

Carol E. Hepburn

Keywords

leadership communication, job satisfaction, leader-member exchange theory, employee retention, workplace communication

Disciplines

Communication

Abstract

Direct communication in the workplace plays a critical role in shaping employees’ perceptions of leadership and the organization. This study examines the impact of Leader-Member Exchange Theory (LMX) on understanding the relationship between leaders and employees, with particular attention to how effective communication practices influence that relationship. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 27 participants, who were invited to share their workplace experiences with their supervisors. Using a hybrid coding approach, the data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes across participants' responses. Five key themes emerged, including (1) trust through communication, (2) transparency and openness, (3) access to information, (4) emotional safety, and (5) motivation and job satisfaction. The findings suggest that communication is not merely a tool for information exchange but a central factor shaping the quality of leader-employee relationships. This study contributes to the leader-member exchange framework by positioning communication as a relational indicator that influences how leaders engage with employees and, ultimately, how employees experience their work and job satisfaction.

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