Followership is a critical dimension that impacts the leader’s effectiveness and, indirectly, organizational productivity. Our study aims to explore follower perceptions of self and leadership in the New Normal, post-COVID-19.
We performed a qualitative study with 15 young, junior and mid-level executives working for organizations in the United Arab Emirates. Based on the transcripts, we conducted a thematic analysis using NVivo software (version 4) and developed the themes and coding categories. Ethical considerations were followed when conducting the study.
The results demonstrated that the followers (employees) had gained insights about themselves after the volatile phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the semi-structured interviews also unfolded authenticity, desire for development, understanding of the deeper purpose of life, expectation of inclusiveness and depleting trust in the leadership.
We have discussed the managerial implications and recommended measures for the leader to reduce workplace and mental challenges.
The research specifically focuses on followership in the post-pandemic or new normal. Qualitative interviews show how the followers perceive themselves, work, leadership and the organization. The research discusses the significance of followership identity in creating environments that develop effective followers.
