フォロワーはリーダーシップについて何を語るのか

抄録

The literature on leadership has undergone significant evolution, and most of the studies assess a leader’s viewpoint and employ quantitative research methods.Although leader’s viewpoint and methods of quantitative research are very important for the study of leadership, the follower’s viewpoint and methods of qualitative research are also essential. To understand leadership, both the leader’s and follower’s viewpoint needs to be considered, and it is important for leader to understand the follower’s interpretation of leadership. The phenomenon of leadership cannot be effective without the support of followers. The qualitative approach is appropriate to understand the follower’s viewpoint, because it can distinguish an individual’s perspective of the phenomenon. This study clarifies both the follower’s perception of leadership and the leader’s perception of the follower’s viewpoint. The interview method is considered to be the most suitable method for this study. This paper discusses three case studies, the human resources department of the electric company; the development of the drug, Aricept, used in the palliative treatment of Alzheimer’s disease; and the corporate revitalization of Phoenix Electric Co., Ltd. Interestingly, these case studies indicates three categories in the follower’s perception of leadership: enlightenment, agreement, and appreciation. Enlightenment indicates that followers acquire a new way of thinking from the leader. Agreement indicates that followers realize and are willing to follow the leader’s vision. Appreciation indicates that followers admire the leader’s contribution to the organizational purpose.