The future of followership

Abstract

Purpose As the author defines “followership” followers cannot have authority. But, they can and increasingly they do have power and influence. Social media embolden followers to pressure leaders, to push leaders as they never have previously been pressured or pushed. The author explores the consequences of this new dynamic. Design/methodology/approach The author urges that a curriculum be developed by academics and trainers that includes teaching the fundamentals of followership and learning what constitutes a follower who is as ethical as effective. Findings History is replete with examples of what goes wrong when individual answerability is abdicated and followers have the responsibility learn how to use their power to pressure their organizations to act ethically and morally. Originality/value Implicit in the growing if still modest interest in followers by researchers and trainers is the implication that the leadership industry is now obliged – for moral, intellectual and practical reasons – to pay them some increased level of attention. This article makes the case that followers have more power than ever before and need to learn how to use it ethically and morally.