Teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic: a leader-member exchange perspective

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the process of teleworking and teleworking is expected to be a central feature of workplaces of the future. The present study examines the effect of leader-member exchange (LMX) and perception of loneliness on the relationship between proactive coping and the work productivity of teleworkers during the COVID-19 crisis time.Design/methodology/approachUsing structural equation modeling (SEM), this study the study is based on a survey of 572 teleworkers in Taiwan drawn from a variety of industry sectors.FindingsThrough the application of a hypothesized moderated mediation model, the indirect effects of proactive coping on work productivity via LMX are stronger for employees who experience a higher level of perceived loneliness.Research limitations/implicationsThe results have contributed to current understanding on the success of telework at the individual level and extends research framework of teleworking. Using self-report questionnaire is one of the limitations; however, this was feasible data collection method during COVID-19.Practical implicationsOrganizations need to provide further training aimed at enhancing proactive coping and dealing with future work challenges in the complex and dynamic workplace.Originality/valueThis study is the first among its type to examine proactive coping and job productivity from a LMX during COVID-19.