Meaning of Followership, Follower, and Types of Followership

Followership: It is the act of adhering to the direction, control, leadership, coordination, or influence of a leader to achieve set goals in a group. It can also be defined as a body of people who obey or follow the directives of a leader to achieve goals in a group.

Follower: A follower is anyone who accepts the authority of another person, and abides by his instructions and directives. In human organizations like states, religious organizations,  LGA’s, etc. followers must obey the directives of leaders for the organizational goals to be achieved.

There are usually set rules and regulations that guide the conduct of leaders and followers in such organizations.

Types of Followership:

Followership types have been described in different ways by many social scientists. Barbara Kellerman described followership types based on the people’s level of engagement in political activities. She identified five types of followership

• Isolates: This group of followers is non-responsive to leaders and organizations. They do not care. They are completely detached and alienated from what is going on around them.

• Bystanders: Bystanders observe but disengage themselves from political activities. They do not participate actively. They are not motivated enough to take an active part.

• Participants: They participate in political activities. They care enough to put in their time and resources. They make an impact. If they agree with the leader, they support him/her but if they disagree with the leader, they oppose him/her.

• Activists: They feel strongly about their leaders and organization and act accordingly. These followers are eager, energetic, and engaging. They work hard to support the leaders or pull down the leader or even unseat them. Activists are not usually many. They commit their time and resources. The loyal activists who are as loyal as they are competent and committed may be in the leader’s inner circle.

• Diehards: Diehards are very passionate, and deeply devoted to their ideas, leaders, or organization. They are strongly motivated. They exhibit an all-consuming dedication to someone or something they deem worthy.

According to Kellerman, every leader must pay attention to the followers who demonstrate their support or their vehement opposition. You should identify the participants, activists (very important), and diehards as they can use their energyEnergy is the ability to do work. Energy exists in several forms such as heat, kinetic or mechanical energy, light, potential energy, and electrical energy. Units of Energy: The SI unit... More and resources to resist leaders or even pull them down.