Exploring the perspectives of leaders and followers on implicit beliefs (both traits and roles) about followers

Purpose This study explored beliefs about the follower role by comparing leader and follower responses. The purpose was twofold: first, to investigate the implicit follower beliefs and role orientations of leaders and followers in a single study; second, to correlate two implicit belief instruments: the implicit followership scale and the coproduction and passive role orientation scale. Design/methodology/approach This research used a non-experimental, quantitative methodology to test four research questions. Data were gathered by surveying leaders and followers from Canada and the United States. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyze the study data and answer the research questions. Findings The study’s results showed a small statistical significance between the two instruments: IFT antiprototypes correlate to and predict assumptions about passive follower orientations. Research limitations/implications The study contributed to the followership, IFT, and role orientation literature, addressed several research gaps, and provided several avenues for future research. Practical implications The study provides valuable insights and actionable knowledge for individuals, teams, and organizations. Individuals who understand their implicit follower beliefs and role orientations can use this knowledge to understand their workplace behavior and interactions with others. Originality/value This research was the first to report on the IFTs and follower role orientations of leaders and followers in the same study and correlate two popular implicit belief scales.