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Leo ler Member Exchange Theory is a contemporary leadership theory that has received considerable research attention outside the sport setting. The purpose of this study was to test basic tenets of the Leader Member Exchange Theory by examining the leader-member exchange processes that occur between coaches and starters and coaches and nonstarters. It was hypothesized that starters as "in group" members would score significantly higher on the Leader Member Exchange Scale than nonstarters or "out group" members. Subjects (N = 178)for the study were female participants from a summer basketball camp setting. The stated hypothesis was supported in that starters or "in group" members scored significantly higher on the leadership scale when compared to scores of nonstarters or "out group members. The results of this study point to the need for additional research into the important exchanges that occur between sport leaders and followers. A clear understanding of these leader member exchanges may eventually open the door to enhanced sport performance, satisfaction and retention.
During the past thirty years, a number of leadership studies have been completed in sport settings. These studies have, for the most part, utilized and tested existing leadership theories and models. Despite these efforts, the study of leadership behavior in sport remains one of the most frequently discussed and least understood research areas.
A review of the literature pertaining to the study of leadership in both sport and nonsport settings reveals that certain research trends have emerged over the years. For example, early leadership studies attempted to identify physical, behavioral and personality traits of recognized leaders. These early "Great Man" studies eventually led to present day "trait" theories of leadership. Partially as a result of the Ohio State and University of Michigan leadership studies completed in the 1950s (e.g., Likert, 1950; Halpin, 1957), a behavioral approach to the study of leadership was developed.
Within the context of the behavioral approach, researchers attempted to examine the behaviors that leaders display as well as the effects of these behaviors on group performance and satisfaction. In recent years, a situational approach to the study of leadership has emerged with leadership being described as a function of the complex interactions among leadership styles and situational variables (Chelladurai and Carron,1983; Case, 1987; Case, 1990). In...