What does the term "LMX 'In-Group'" refer to?

The term "LMX 'In-Group'" refers to individuals who have developed positive and high-quality relationships with their leader. This concept comes from Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory, which posits that leaders form two different types of relationships with their subordinates: the in-group and the out-group.

Those in the in-group are often characterized by mutual trust, respect, and obligation between the leader and the members. This strong relationship can lead to greater access to resources, information, and support from the leader, thereby enhancing job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and overall performance.

In contrast, members of the out-group may not share the same level of engagement or connection with the leader, resulting in fewer opportunities for collaboration, less communication, and often a more transactional relationship. This distinction highlights why members in the in-group may experience more favorable working conditions compared to those in the out-group.

The other options do not accurately reflect the concept of the in-group. Disengaged employees, competitive team members, and newly formed teams do not encompass the essence of the high-quality leader-member exchange that characterizes in-group relationships.