A Concept Analysis of “Follower” Within the Context of Professional Nursing

Abstract

Theory and research on leaders is abundant; however, the follower concept is noticeably absent from the leadership literature. This article uses Walker and Avant's concept analysis method to explore the concept of follower in professional nursing. A literature search of nursing and psychological databases provided insight into the meaning of a follower. Using the concept exploration approach, defining attributes are proposed along with antecedents and consequences to clarify the concept uses. Model and additional cases provide exemplars of concept application. Finally, the empirical referents of practical use and measurement in the professional environment are presented. Although it is clear that leadership without followers is impossible, the fact remains that clarification of which elements constitute followers are on the periphery of current leadership efforts. Conceptual clarity is necessary to improve the way nurse leaders identify situations of following and nonfollowing in professional context and guide how they will engage followers to achieve goals.