Final answer:
False. Expertise is an important factor in gaining credibility and influence, but it is not a guarantee that followers will believe a leader's argument and follow their influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or False: Expertise is typically a sufficient guarantee that followers will believe a leader's argument and follow their influence.
False. Expertise is an important factor in gaining credibility and influence, but it is not a guarantee that followers will believe a leader's argument and follow their influence. Other factors such as trustworthiness, rationality, and clearheadedness of the leader also play a role in determining the level of influence.
For example, in social epistemology, testimony is considered important, and a trustworthy source of testimony is not only well-informed and an expert but also honest, unbiased, rational, and clearheaded.
Additionally, conformity to a group norm based on the belief that the group is competent and has the correct information can influence individuals to follow the group's influence, regardless of the expertise of a single leader.