Abstract With the data of the 270 questionnaires from the middle managers and employees in the organizations, this study examines the relationship between the LMX and the work stress with the methodology of hierarchical regression analysis. The findings indicate that the curvilinear effect between the LMX and work stress and the linear effects among the LMX, perceived supervisor support and job satisfaction have been found. Moreover, partial mediation effect of perceived supervisor support between the LMX and job satisfaction has been examined, and the curvilinear effect between the job satisfaction and work stress has been supported. These results help the researchers to open the door of the negative effects of LMX and their mediation mechanism in the Chinese context. This study also indicates that leaders should concern the health of the “ingroup” and the improvement of the exchange quality of the “outgroup” to reduce the employees’ work stress.
2012, Vol. 9 
