Follower-Power A Follower-Centric Approach To The Social Construction Of Prophetic Leadership

Abstract

This article addresses the follower-centric examination of the social construction of prophetic leadership roles. The central questions are: In what ways can key follower figures potentially exert independent agency and influence within the charismatic relationship?; What role might they play in the establishment and maintenance of the social construction of prophetic leadership roles? To these ends, the article assesses the existing research in the area, lifts out relevant elements (such as the Swedish historian of religion Bengt Sundkler's distinction between leader, nucleus, and mass); and finally develops two original concepts: first followers and follower-power. The latter of these is described through seven functional roles, each with a corresponding power-type: finders (point-power), devoters (devotional power), promoters (storytelling power), managers (organizational power), intermediaries (intermediary power), innovators (creative power), and supporters (support-power). These concepts are then developed through the examination of existing sources (i.e. the Bible, historical material, etc.) and ultimately, the conclusion is drawn that, while the concepts seem to fit their purpose, too little research has been done in this area to make definitive remarks. (Less)