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The Tango

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19 views2 pages

The Tango

Uploaded by

mosesdayes
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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"Examining Follower/Leader Dynamics Through Tango"

SOAN 211: Leadership II

Mr Saeed Moomin and Mr. Karim Abdul-Karim Ngoliba

"Examining Follower/Leader Dynamics Through Tango"

08 October, 2024

Dayes Moses
"Examining Follower/Leader Dynamics Through Tango"

The tango, one of the most iconic dances in the world, is more than just a performance of
graceful steps but rather an expression that provides a metaphorical lens for understanding
follower-leader dynamics. This balanced interplay between dancers/activists enlightens the
audience on how followers can contribute to the overall success of a community. Barbara
Kellerman, a prominent scholar in leadership studies, categorizes followers into five types,
clearly stating their influence on leadership outcomes.
According to Barbara's perspective, there are five types of followers: isolates, bystanders,
participants, activists, and die-hards. Isolates are people who have detached themselves from
leaders and a political organization, either deliberately or involuntarily. They contribute little
to government. Stagnation and parallel systems can occur leading to economic disruption. An
example of isolates can be the Konkomba people, who have been involved in conflicts with
neighbouring groups. Moreover, bystanders observe but do not actively participate. Like
isolates, they contribute little. Their lack of action can lead to disruption of the status quo.
When bystanders decide to join in, they can inspire other mobs, leading to wider protests,
which may be unpredictable. One famous bystander in Ghana is Manasseh Azure who
exposed government misconduct. Although he was not directly involved, his actions led to
pressure on the government to address security. Moving on to participants, a group of
moderately engaged people that can influence the leader's direction. Participants can cause
demonstrations, which may be peaceful or violent, forcing political leaders to respond.
Kwame Nkrumah is a very common participant.
Additionally, activists are highly engaged and invested. They work hard either to support or
oppose the leader. Their commitment can impact the organization, especially if they align
with the leader's goals or, conversely, if they oppose and act against the leader’s decisions:
David Boadi is an example of a man known for his activism advocating for social justice and
human rights in Ghana. Lastly, diehards are deeply committed to the cause and willing to go
to extreme lengths. They can bring the most changes to a nationYouth wings of political
parties and Traditional religious leaders are often typical examples of diehards.
While navigating Kellerman's Framework to the Ghanaian Judiciary Scandal, we can use
Mensa-Bonsu's article on the Ghanaian judiciary scandal. The scandal, which involved
allegations of corruption within the judiciary system, highlighted the importance of different
levels of engagement from the public and government. In her context, the lack of engagement
by isolates perpetuates the existing system, as their silence does nothing to challenge the
status quo of corruption in Ghana. Like isolates, Bystanders' inaction contributes to the
problem, enabling corrupt practices to continue unchecked. On the other hand, participants
involved can either support or oppose corrupt practices. As for activists, their involvement
would be critical in challenging the status quo, as they can be key participators in forcing the
government to make changes. However, diehards would be the most vital as their deep
embedment in corrupt practices may resist reform at all costs, using their power to maintain
control even in high authorities.
In conclusion, the leader-follower dynamic, whether in the context of dance or leadership,
requires active participation from both parties for success. Both Kellerman and Mensa-
Bonsu's framework revealed how different follower types can either enable corruption or
drive reform Nevertheless, leaders can cultivate on this, leading to a prosperous nation.

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