Answer:
d. the leader's perception of the follower
Step-by-step explanation:
LMX theory stands for leader-member exchange theory and is an approach to leadership that focuses on the two-way relationship that exists between the leaders and followers of a group. Therefore the whether the follower becomes a member of an in-group or an out-group depends on the leader's perception of the follower. Mainly because the leader makes this decision and bases it around what they ultimately think about the follower.