Woo-Hoo! I’m in the Inner Circle: An Experiential Exercise to Illustrate LMX Theory and In-Group/Out-Group Dynamics

Abstract

This article discusses how The Inner Circle, an episode of The Office television series, could be used in the classroom to explain leader-member exchange (LMX) theory and in-group/out-group settings in the workplace. LMX is one of the most important theories in the field of leadership. Its focus on the relationship between leader and followers makes it distinct from many other leadership theories. However, undergraduate students without work experience may struggle to see the practical relevance of this theory, finding it abstract. The Inner Circle episode can help instructors illustrate LMX, in-group/out-group settings, and their associated consequences in the workplace. In this article, we share our experience showing this episode in two management classes and provide a breakdown of scenes for instructors interested in using this episode as a supplementary educational tool in their classes.