Follow-her-ship: Exploring followership of female leaders in the manufacturing sector in South Africa

Abstract

The primary aim of the research was to explore the followership of female leaders within the manufacturing sector in South Africa, to gain deeper insights into how female leaders foster and maintain support from their workplace followers. The research explored the perception of male and female followers and demonstrations. A qualitative phenomenological study of 20 participants, chosen through purposeful sampling of followers who had reported to a female leader. Using an inductive approach the study investigated how gendered expectations and societal norms shaped the followership of female leaders. The research found that social roles and gendered expectations influence the perception of female leaders. Competency and empathy emerged as essential enablers of effective leadership. Furthermore, the research findings highlighted that while male and female perceptions are shaped by prior leadership experiences and gendered expectancies, enabled by societal norms, female leader also navigate the “Double-Bind” phenomenon, the challenge of balancing communal and agentic traits with followers having differing views. The research identified awareness activities on gender expectations of followers' leadership, including empathetic leadership and recommends that organisations actively mitigate the “Double Bind” phenomenon female leaders experience, ensuring leadership structures are inclusive and equitable. The study was limited to the manufacturing sector in South Africa. Further research could extend to other industries and cultural contexts to deepen the understanding of Followership dynamics.