An exploration of the leader-follower dyad using implicit theory

In this research, we adopt a follower-centered leadership approach, which aims at integrating both implicit leadership theories (ILTs) and implicit followership theories (IFTs). While ILTs investigate followers' subjective views of leaders; IFTs focus on the views of followers (e.g., Sy, 2010). We are interested in the joint influence of ILT and IFT fit on the leader–follower dyad. We further aim to explore the fit between the followers’ and leaders’ view on ideal leadership and followership respectively. We also compare the fit between actual leaders and followers from a follower’s perspective and potential consequences on the effectiveness of the leader-follower dyadic relationship.