Faultline distance and group citizenship behaviors: The moderating role of social identity leadership and group‐level leader‐member exchange

ABSTRACT Based on social identity and social exchange theory, we examine how faultline distance influences group citizenship behaviors, and how this relationship is moderated by leadership, specifically social identity leadership and group‐level leader–member exchange. We conducted a hierarchical regression analysis of data from 430 employees nested within 73 teams in four organizations, which revealed a negative relationship between faultline distance and group citizenship behaviors. This relationship was weakened by higher levels of both social identity leadership and group‐level leader–member exchange. Overall, the findings enhance understanding of how leadership—from the perspectives of social identity leadership and group‐level leader–member exchange—may influence the relationship between subgroup interaction and group behaviors. The insights gained have implications for promoting the effective management of diverse teams and organizations.