Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

Situationally appropriate leadership requires that effective, efficient leader behav ior be based on the variables of leadership-leader, followers, and the situation. The Follower Maturity Index (FMI), an instrument used in observations o f verbal and nonverbal behavior in task groups, provides a basis for categorizing and quan tifying follower behavior in terms of the dimensions of maturity: achievement mo tivation, willingness and ability to take responsibility, task-relevant education or experience, activity level, dependency, behavior variety, interest, perspective, posi tion, and awareness. Maturity level is the degree (low, average, or high) of maturity behavior observed. Through the use of the FMI, appropriate leader behavior is facilitated, and follower and leader behavior is changed. Further, there are impli cations for organization development, consulting, and research.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Argyris, C. Personality and organization New York: Harper & Row, 1957.

Beckhard, R. Organizational development: Strategies and models Reading, Mass.: Addison-Wesley, 1969.

Berlew, D.E. The group membership game Newport, R. I.: Human Resource Management Consultant Training, 1972.

Delaney, R.F. The long-range future of the Navy, 1972-1985. Phase II Report, Volume 1, Group Research Project Report Newport, R. I.: U. S. Naval War College, 1972.

Fiedler, F.E. Leadership New York: General Learning Corp., 1971.

Forrester, J.W. World dynamics Cambridge, Mass.: Wright Allen Press, 1971.

Hersey, P. , & Blanchard, K.H. Management of organizational behavior Englewood Cliffs, N. J.: Prentice-Hall , 1972.

Likert, R. The nature of highly effective groups In D. A. Kolb, I. M. Rubin, & J. M. McIntyre (Eds.), Organizational psychology: A book of readings (2nd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, N. J.: Prentice-Hall, 1971.

McBer & Company. Measuring motivation Cambridge, Mass.: Sterling Institute , 1970.

10.

McClelland, D.C. The achieving society Princeton, N. J.: D. Van Nostrand, 1961.

11.

McClelland, D.C. , Atkinson, J.W. , Clark, R.A. , & Lowell, E.L. The achievement motive New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1953.

12.

Perls, F. , Hefferline, R. , & Goodman, P. Gestalt therapy New York: Julian Press, 1951.

13.

Schien, E.H. Organizational socialization of the profession of management In D. A. Kolb, I. M. Rubin, & J. M. McIntyre (Eds.), Organization psychology: A book of readings (2nd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall , 1971.

14.

Schmidt, W. Organizational frontiers and human values Belmont, Calif. : Wadsworth, 1970.

15.

Weinstein, G., & Fantini, M. (Eds.) Toward humanistic education: A curriculum of affect. New York: Praeger , 1970.

The FMI: Dimensions of Follower Maturity

Abstract

Get full access to this article

References