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3: Relational Theories- Followership

  • Page ID
    175225
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    A pair of spheres, one blue labeled "LEADERSHIP" and one beige labeled "FOLLOWERSHIP," held by a white hands sculpture.

    Learning Objectives

    After completing this reading, you should be able to:

    • Understand Kelley's 5 follower types and their impact on organizational dynamics.
    • Recognize the 7 dimensions of courageous followership and their application in leadership contexts.

    Introduction

    In the study of leadership, the role of followers is often overlooked. However, in a contemporary environment, followers play a crucial role in the success of leaders and organizations. This reading explores two important concepts in followership: Kelley's 5 follower types and the 7 dimensions of courageous followership. These models provide valuable insights into the diverse roles and behaviors of followers and highlight the importance of courageous followership in fostering effective leadership and organizational success.

    This chapter is taken from "Introduction to Leadership Concepts Handbook" by Seth D. Kastle, Lori E. Kniffin, Brett Whitaker, Justin Greenleaf, Brent Goertzen, Donnette Noble, and Tamas Kowalik, Open Educational Resources at FHSU Scholars Repository is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA.

    • 3.1: Kelley's 5 Follower Types
      This page discusses Robert E. Kelley's framework, which categorizes followers into five types: Passive, Alienated, Conformist, Pragmatic, and Exemplary. Each type exhibits distinct attributes influencing organizational dynamics, from Passive followers, who comply but stifle innovation, to Exemplary followers, who are proactive and inspire positive changes. Recognizing these types allows leaders to improve followership and support organizational success.
    • 3.2: The 7 Dimensions of Courageous Followership
      This page outlines Ira Chaleff's concept of courageous followership, detailing seven dimensions such as responsibility, service, and moral action. It emphasizes the traits of proactive followers and the importance of open communication. A case study from Rivercraft Tours demonstrates the positive effects of fostering dialogue among employees.
    • 3.3: Summary and References
      This page discusses contemporary followership theories, focusing on the essential role of followers in leadership effectiveness and organizational success. It highlights Kelley's five follower types and the seven dimensions of courageous followership, emphasizing proactive engagement and responsibility. By recognizing diverse follower types and fostering courageous behaviors, leaders can improve organizational culture and stimulate innovation.


    This page titled 3: Relational Theories- Followership was last modified on Sat, 29 Aug 2026 03:22:26 GMT and is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Loretta Smith.