The Framework and Typology of Followers

Abstract

There are many reasons why people want to follow a leader. The authors believe that it is important for an individual to follow the leader whom one likes, respects and admires. In this respect, it is also important for an individual to understand the types of follower one wants to be. This is because one may have the choice to select the organization one is comfortable with if one wants to work in the organization. In this article, the researchers/academician examine the types of followers; and a framework and typology of followers with animal analogies or metaphors are then drawn. The results indicate that a pattern can be extrapolated to portray the various kinds of followers in existence, and the implications of findings on the impact to the organisation are also discussed in this article.

Keywords: Follower-ship, leadership, Confucian Kirin, eagle, dove, hyena, lion, owl, tortoise, sheep, camel