What is the role-taking phase in leader-member exchange theory?

The role-taking phase in leader-member exchange theory primarily involves the leader and the subordinate developing a mutual understanding of each other's roles, expectations, and contributions within the team dynamic. During this phase, leaders assess the competence and capabilities of new employees as they start to interact, allowing them to align expectations and define the scope of their roles in the team.

This assessment is crucial for the formation of effective working relationships and helps in establishing the quality of the leader-member exchange. It is during this phase that trust is built and the framework for future interactions is laid out, focusing on developing a professional bond through shared experiences and feedback.

In the context of the other response options, while providing feedback, establishing hierarchies, and setting long-term goals are also important aspects of leadership, they do not specifically pertain to the role-taking phase. Instead, these actions often occur later in the leader-member exchange progression, once roles and expectations are clearly established.