Final answer:
The correct answer to the Life Cycle Theory of Leadership question is 'e. R1; telling', which corresponds to a stage where leaders must provide clear directions and instructions to followers. This stage is suitable for followers who have low competence but are enthusiastic and willing, and require significant guidance from their leader.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Life Cycle Theory of Leadership suggests that the type of leadership required by a manager can vary depending on the maturity of the team members. Considering the options provided in your question, option e. R1; telling corresponds with a stage where the leader's behavior must be devoted to directing followers because their goals and roles need to be clearly defined. At this maturity level, often referred to as R1, followers usually have low competence but are eager and willing, and thus, require specific guidance and clear instructions - which is why this stage is called 'telling'.
It's important to not confuse this with other stages of leadership such as 'selling', 'participating', 'delegating', or 'performing', which are aligned with different levels of follower readiness and maturity. Leaders who are goal-oriented and focused on accomplishing tasks might lean more towards an instrumental leadership style, as they prioritize clear expectations and directive measures to achieve organizational goals.
Researchers within Industrial-Organizational Psychology, such as Bass, develop these concepts to better understand the dynamics of leadership styles, including transformational leadership and transactional leadership. Moreover, the importance of considering the individual needs of followers, such as their need for growth or autonomy, is crucial for fostering a positive leader-follower relationship.