The question, "What are the distinguishing characteristics of effective leaders?" sparked which approach to the study of leadership?

behavioral approach to the study of leadership

Explanation:

In simple words, The behavioral approach is only concerned with what managers do and what they behave. The behavioral approach broadened the science of leadership to encompass the activities of leaders toward followers in diverse settings by moving the study of leadership to leader behaviors. Monitoring and analyzing a leader's movements and behaviors in response to a given circumstance is central to behavioral leadership theory.

d. automatic stabilizers.

explanation:

answer; ///(d); determining who competes most closely   with whom evaluating whether industry driving forces and competitive pressure favor some strategic groups and hurt others, and ascertaining whether the profit potential of different strategic groups varies due to the strengths and weaknesses in each groups respective market positions;