Date of Paper/Work

5-2017

Type of Paper/Work

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Sharon Radd

Department/School

Organizational Leadership

Abstract

Historically, the leadership literature mentions the role of followers only in passing. New research is emerging about the importance of followers and the role they play in the distribution of power between leaders and followers. Using Kellerman's theory of leadership as a theoretical framework, this study positions engaged voters as "followers" in the 2016 Presidential election, and examines their perceptions of the election and its relationship to the distribution of power between leaders and followers. The findings reveal that in a context marked by dissatisfaction, political polarization and technology, followers in this study want change, but cannot or do not envision it beyond the bounds of the current governmental system.

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