Question
Research the Kelley model of followership. Write an essay describing how a leader might utilize the Kelley model of
followership to assess follower effectiveness, and discuss how this leader might develop this individual into a more effective follower.
Be sure to include the following in your paper:
Describe the importance of organizational climate and motivation.
Describe Kelley’s model of effective followership (moving between roles).
Explain how knowledge of effective followership can help one’s leadership perspective.
Sample paper
Research on Kelley model of followership
The organizational climate relates to the manner in which employees perceive their organization. The organizational climate describes the feelings that employees hold towards the organization, and which are noticeable by others. The organizational climate helps in supporting the vision and the spirit of the organization (Manning, 1996). The organizational climate influences the quality of work by employees. Another key role of a positive organizational climate is that it influences the employee’s efficiency. Employees are more productive if they hold a positive opinion about the organization. Motivation also plays a key role in the organization. One of the major roles of motivation is developing and sustaining the employee’s morale for work. Motivation occurs in three phases namely arousal, direction, and intensity (Hertel, 2003). The first phase involves initiating action by creating desire or need. The second phase refers to the path that employees take in achieving their goals. The third phase relates to the vigor or effort they put in their work.
Motivation increases the efficiency of employees. The employee’s output levels depend on not only their qualifications and abilities to do work, but also their willingness to do work. Highly motivated employees are willing to do work and put more effort in it. This increases productivity per worker and the overall organizational efficiency (Hertel, 2003). Motivation helps in the achievement of organizational goals. This is because employees are willing to put in more effort. Another role of motivation is creating stability among the workforce. Motivation helps employees feel they are part of the organization. They also feel valued by the organization, meaning they are likely to remain royal. Motivation also helps in building friendly relationships among employees. Motivation brings about satisfaction among employees. This occurs through proper rewards systems, promotional opportunities, and various incentives.
Robert Kelley examines the concept of followership in his theoretical model. He asserts that effective followers are those with strong critical thinking skills and are committed towards accomplishing the goals of the organization. Kelly’s model of followership categorizes followers basing on level of participation and critical thinking. The model places followers in five categories: sheep, the yes people, alienated followers, survivors, and effective followers” (McManus & Perruci, 2015, p. 46). The sheep category comprise of passive followers with low critical thinking levels. The yes people are active supporters but with low critical thinking skills. The alienated followers have high critical thinking skills but refuse to participate in decision making since they are cynical. The survivors demonstrate critical thought and active participation. However, they are ben on personal gain. The effective followers are critical thinkers and participate actively in the running of the organization, and for the common goal.
Knowledge of effective followership can help in shaping one’s leadership perspective. Followership is critical in determining the effectiveness of leadership. Knowledge of effective followership helps a leader identify team players and team leaders. By having good knowledge on followership, a leader can be able to identify team leaders. Knowledge of effective followership can enable a leader know how he/she can control various employees. Another importance is that it helps leaders in understanding the diverse nature of employees in the organization. Leaders can then develop appropriate measures or strategies to work with the diverse members of the organization in the most effective manner. Knowledge of effective followership can enable leaders to develop positive leader-follower relations with all employees. This can help the leader in establishing a conducive environment for the development of effective followership.
References
Hertel, F. (2003). Motivation in the Workplace. Munich: GRIN Verlag GmbH.
Manning, G. (1996). Building community: The human side of work. Duluth, Minnesota: Whole Person Associates.
McManus, R., & Perruci, G. (2015). Understanding leadership: an arts and humanities perspective. Routledge.
