This article describes leader-follower interactions in a symbolic interactionism framework (Blumer, 1969). The meaning placed on leader behaviors by followers is of importance in understanding the process by which leaders influence followers. It is posited that the meaning-making process of followers mediates the influence of leader behaviors on subsequent follower behaviors. Symbolic leadership can influence followers' meaning-making processes in three ways: through the creation of shared meaning, through the creation of equifinal meaning, or through the creation of idiosyncratic meaning. Methodologies for future research on symbolic leadership and the meaning-making process of followers are suggested.
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