Final answer:
Competence is the characteristic that most impacts whether an employee is considered part of a leader's ingroup or outgroup, affecting their workplace dynamics and relationships. The correct answer is option: d) Competence.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to research, the characteristic that has the greatest impact on whether an employee will be in a leader's ingroup or outgroup is competence. Competence, as an attribute of followers, can influence the perception of leader-member exchanges and dictate whether a follower is considered part of the ingroup or outgroup.
This is particularly relevant when considering the dynamics of in-groups and out-groups, as personal characteristics such as race, gender, and age can be associated with stereotyping and bias, which can impact group dynamics in the workplace.
Furthermore, an employee's desire for growth and developmental opportunities can also affect their relationship with the leader, signaling the importance of recognizing and fostering individual employee needs and strengths.