Final answer:
The correct answer is (b) followers' readiness affects leadership style, according to Hersey's Situational Leadership Model. This model emphasizes the importance of adjusting leadership methods in response to the maturity and readiness of the followers, as there's no single effective leadership style for all situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding Hersey's Situational Leadership Model, the true statement is that followers' readiness affects leadership style. This model suggests that leadership effectiveness depends on the ability to adapt one's style to the maturity level of the individuals being led. Different situations require different levels of direction and support, therefore, a leader needs to be flexible and responsive to followers' readiness and capabilities.
Leaders who understand the leader-follower relationship can enhance their team's performance by adjusting their leadership approach. This is particularly important when dealing with followers who have varying levels of extroversion, need for growth, and need for leadership. Some may thrive under autonomous working conditions, while others may prefer a more structured environment.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership as individual follower characteristics and situational variables play critical roles in determining how a leader should act to be most effective. Thus, leaders must be attuned to the individual needs and situations of their followers to build strong, positive leader-follower relationships and achieve the desired outcomes.