Different Communication, Different Engagement: How Line Managers Shape Employee Engagement
Different Communication, Different Engagement: How Line Managers Shape Employee Engagement

Summary/Abstract: Employee engagement remains a central managerial concern, yet the role of communication led by line managers is often treated as uniform. This study examines how different communication domains are associated with employee engagement. Drawing on Leader–Member Exchange (LMX), communication is conceptualized as a relational mechanism through which managers influence employee behavior. The study distinguishes between communication related to organizational matters, unit-related matters, and employee-focused communication, alongside two behavioral expressions of engagement: basic task-focused engagement and high-level engagement reflected in enthusiasm toward work and the organization. The findings reveal a clear distinction between prevalence and impact: while unit-related communication is most frequent, employee-focused communication shows the strongest association with high-level engagement. The results highlight that communication effectiveness depends not only on frequency, but also on its focus.

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