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The psychology of following: Conceptualizing and validating the Fundamental Follower Needs Inventory.

Xiaotian Sheng et al.

Journal of Applied Psychology2026https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0001347article
FT50AJG 4*ABDC A*
Weight
0.50

Abstract

Humans possess an evolved followership psychology that enables them to identify and endorse different types of leaders depending on situational demands. But what fundamental needs guide these follower endorsements? Across a preliminary study and five validation studies (N = 3,514), we developed and validated the Fundamental Follower Needs Inventory (FFNI)-a psychometrically robust measure that identifies six core follower needs: protection, affiliation, status, guidance (including vision and expertise), and fairness. In Studies 1 and 2, we conducted content validation, tested reliability, and confirmed the factor structure of the FFNI across three domains (general, political, and workplace), three countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, and China), and multiple time points. Study 3 demonstrated FFNI's convergent and discriminant validity. Studies 4 and 5 explored the nomological network, examining its antecedents, consequences, and both predictive and incremental validity. The FFNI provides a novel tool for researchers to investigate how follower needs vary across contexts and cultures and how these needs shape leader endorsements and perceptions of leadership effectiveness. Practically, the FFNI offers leaders a framework to better understand and respond to the psychological needs of those they lead. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0001347

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@article{xiaotian2026,
  title        = {{The psychology of following: Conceptualizing and validating the Fundamental Follower Needs Inventory.}},
  author       = {Xiaotian Sheng et al.},
  journal      = {Journal of Applied Psychology},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0001347},
}

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

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