Abstract:

Implicit Followership Theory (IFT), which is defined as cognitive structures and schemas about the traits and behaviors that characterize followers, is a new concept in the area of organizational behavior. IFT is conceptual category that differs from X-Y Theory and Implicit Performance Theory as well as has connections with them. Previous studies, which based on theories of Cognitive Classification Model, Information Processing Model or Connectionist Network Model, have preliminary investigated the definition, measure, antecedents and outcomes of IFT. To boost the studies on IFT, it is proposed to develop more effective tools, focus on factors affecting IFT, clarify the causal links between variables due to various methods and conduct localization research of IFT in future.

Key words: implicit followership theory, implicit leadership theory, schemas