FOLLOWERSHIP IN MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS: THE CASE OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

Kelley (1992) highlights the significance of followers in organizations for executing orders, supporting leaders, and maintaining operational effectiveness, but also warns of moral disengagement and deindividuation due to social norms and culture. This study explored the relationship between personality traits and followership in the ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES (AFP), involving 423 military personnel who completed an online questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, followership dimensions and styles, and personality traits. The findings revealed that most military personnel are exemplary followers with "average" personality traits, with some not fitting Kelley's five followership styles, suggesting an additional four styles. A significant correlation was found between personality traits and followership dimensions, except for emotionality. It also revealed a significant relationship between personality traits and followership styles, and demographic characteristics were linked to followership dimensions and styles, emphasizing the need for continuous learning in developing more effective leaders, followers, and organizations.

Keywords

• followership
• hexaco
• kelley
• military
• personality traits