Final answer:
Followers seek different things from leaders, including structure, autonomy, and opportunities for growth, which contribute to the leader-follower relationship dynamic. Leaders in turn, desire engagement and alignment with goals from their followers. The effectiveness of leadership styles varies based on the individual characteristics of followers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Role of Followers in Organisations
Followers play a crucial role in organizations by contributing to the dynamic of the leader-follower relationship. What followers want from leaders greatly varies; some desire a structured environment with clear responsibilities, while others seek autonomy and flexibility. Followers with a high need for leadership thrive in well-defined settings, whereas those with a lower need for such structure might find rigid environments stifling. Conversely, leaders seek followers who are willing to engage, participate in teamwork, and align with the team's goals.
Individual followers' characteristics, such as their desire for growth and development, can influence the effectiveness of the leader-follower relationship. Leaders should be adept at pushing for growth without causing discomfort to those who are content with their current level of achievement. Understanding the diversity of follower needs is key to fostering a strong relationship between leaders and followers.
Different styles of leadership can impact group dynamics and conformity within organizational teams. Leaders may change their style according to the situation and the followers' characteristics. The complexity of this relationship underscores the importance of not taking a one-size-fits-all approach to leadership and organizational behavior.