A meta-analysis on social exchange relationships and employee innovation in teams

Despite extensive research on the relationship between social exchange and employee innovation in teams, a comprehensive and quantitative synthesis of research findings is necessary to enhance and expand our understanding. A meta-analysis allows for the comparison of different social exchange relationships and their effects on employee innovation, as well as an investigation into the underlying mechanisms of innovation realization. The results showed that compared to Leader-Member Exchange (LMX), Team-Member Exchange (TMX) demonstrated the stronger relationship with employee innovation. Moreover, cognition and motivation mediated the relationship between TMX and innovation, while affect, cognition and motivation mediated the relationship between LMX and innovation. This paper synthesized a body of critical and thriving literature, thereby endeavoring to furnish evidence that can provide information for theoretical advancements, research methodologies, and updated policy recommendations concerning social exchange relationships for individual innovation.