Leaders, Followers, and Culture

Abstract

In this chapter, we highlight the role that DeRue’s (2011) leader–follower double-interact model plays as a critical, but previously unexplored, mediator for the societal culture-leader/follower interaction relationships. In the proposed model described in this chapter, societal culture influences the frequency and dispersion with which group members can temporarily enact and practice their leadership styles (i.e., DeRue’s double-interact patterns). As a result of these cultural modifications, the double-interact patterns will affect (1) leader and follower schema content, structure, and accessibility; (2) leader and follower identity development and centrality; and (3) regulatory fit or nonfit among group members. All of these factors have been shown to be very important factors affecting leader–follower interactions. Throughout this chapter, several hypotheses for future research are discussed.