Why should we focus on followers in our study of leaders and

Why should we focus on followers in our study of leaders and the leadership process? How and where might followers fit into our model of leader effectiveness?

Solution

There is a relationship of mutual benefit between the leader and the follower. They both need one another, and the task, organisation, or cause that they strive to accomplish needs them both. It requires them to work together.

There is a difference between followers and subordinates. Subordinates are at an lower position in a hierarchy and are expected to obey commands from the individual in the position of leader. Whereas, a follower, follows because they want to.

It should not be assumed that individuals will follow a leader. The follower has needs that should be satisfied by the leader or they may cease to follow.

Organisations that take an honest and open look at this dynamic relationship on support both leaders and followers have the maximum chance of success.

Robert Kelley explains  five types of followers: