Ronald Ross is an employee in a work group of five people. Ronald's supervisor, Randy, interacts with other group members in a relatively superficial manner, providing them with information they need to get the job done while remaining formal and somewhat distant and cold. In contrast, Ronald and Randy have a great working relationship, exchanging information and unsolicited suggestions. Based on the leader-member exchange theory, the relationship between Ronald and Randy is BEST classified as ________.

Question

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According to leader-member exchange theory, leaders develop different relationships with each of their members. In-group relationships are characterized by high-quality exchanges, mutual trust, respect, and support. Members in the in-group receive more resources, benefits, attention, guidance, and autonomy than those outside the group. In contrast, out-group relationships are characterized by low-quality exchanges, formal interactions, low trust, and limited communication. Members in the out-group receive fewer resources and benefits and are treated in a one-size-fits-all manner. Extragroup relationships are those that fall outside the work group and do not involve direct interactions between the leader and the member. Intragroup relationships are those that exist between members of the work group and do not involve the leader. Based on the information given, Ronald and Randy have a close and collaborative relationship, and Randy seems to value Ronald's input and expertise. Therefore, Ronald is likely part of Randy's in-group.

Ronald Ross Is an Employee in a Work Group of Five