Integration of Leadership and Followership Theory in the 21st Century

It is often said that people today are no longer loyal to organizations. Yet employees are loyal to their direct supervisor. This discussion question asks you to evaluate and apply your understanding of followership theory. Reflect on any techniques for understanding, achieving, and positively applying organizational and personal power and influence as a follower.

When effective leaders leave an organization to move on to another organization, they often take at least one or two employees. Employees who respect a leader and have generated a relationship and bond want to work under that leader. One indicator of effective leaders is communication skills in which a leader is attuned to the needs of each employee.

REAL LIFE APPLICATION: Discuss a leader with whom you are familiar and who has the loyalty of his or her direct reports. Alternatively, you might interview a friend or family member about their experiences, or you may research a well-known leader. Address the following in your response.

• Evaluate how this leader earns respect and loyalty from his or her employees.
• If you were in a leadership position, what methods would you implement to inspire, motivate, and empower your employees?
• Support your discussion with at least one scholarly article, and if relevant, credible media reports. Cite each source using APA style.
• Respond with thoughtful substantive responses to at least two classmates’ postings.

Discussion question responses should be at least 300 words. Your responses in the discussion board must be well written according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA.