Which of the following sources of power would most likely result in the formation of a strong emotional bond between a leader and an employee?
a. legitimate
b. coercive
c. reward
d. punishment
e. referent

E.

Explanation:

In 1959, psychologists John R. P. French and Bertram Raven identified five types of power:

Referent power can be defined as the power of the leader to influence his followers/employees either due to the follower's respect for the leader or admiration for the leader. The relationship between an employee and the leader in this type of power is formed due to an emotional bond between them.

So, the correct answer according to the definition provided is option E.