Final answer:
The theory discussed is transformational leadership, which emphasizes creating a positive work environment through inspirational and individual consideration. The leader-follower relationship is complex and requires understanding the unique needs and characteristics of each follower to foster job satisfaction and productivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory that looks at how leaders, who are often mentors, interact with others and work to create an enjoyable and positive environment for everyone is known as transformational leadership style. This style is characteristic of leaders who are charismatic role models, inspirational, intellectually stimulating, and individually considerate. They aim to transform the organization and foster a strong positive leader-follower relationship.
Aspects such as an employee's need for leadership, their degree of extroversion, and their individual need for growth are important components of the leader-follower dynamic. It is crucial to understand that not all leadership styles work well with all follower types. The right dynamic can lead to high job satisfaction and productivity, while a mismatch can result in poor performance and a negative work environment.
Drawing from followership research, it is evident that the relationship between a leader and their followers is bidirectional and contingent on each other's characteristics and needs. Consequently, for followers with high autonomy, a leader should provide less structure, while others may require clear guidelines and a structured environment.