A Qualitative Approach to Investigating Developmental Opportunities Among Leaders and Followers

Abstract

Objective. To understand and identify developmental opportunities by exploring students’ evolving views of leadership, including the emergence of leadership and self-identification, among students considered to be leaders and those considered to be followers. Methods. An exploratory qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted, investigating developmental differences among leaders and followers. Fourteen students/residents were selected to participate in interviews. Student responses were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. Results. In discissions, four themes surfaced: motivations for exploring and engaging in leadership, perceptions of ideal leaders and followers, the value of coalition building, and a leader’s role in sustainability. Leader respondents indicated that a potential barrier to helping others develop was their difficulty in delegation. Further, stress on leaders may contribute to a self-serving perspective on their responsibilities to help others develop. Conclusion. In comparison to their leader counterparts, followers may require a more individualized approach to their development and may become more deeply attached to their responsibilities, giving them a greater desire to promote sustainability in an organization or endeavor. Schools of pharmacy should be poised to support faculty, advisors, mentors, and student leaders with the tools to identify and develop active followers who may not seek out traditional leadership experiences.