Courageous Followership Characterized Within an African American Sorority

Courageous Followership Characterized Within an African American Sorority

Selene Hudson Brent | 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative exploratory study was to determine if a difference exists between courageous followership behaviors and the generational cohorts within a multigenerational sorority. The Followership Profile (TFP) and a demographic questionnaire were used to measure the courageous followership behaviors of the participants by generational cohort. The study also explored the differences between tenure within the organization and courageous followership behaviors. Participants were at least 18 years of age and belonged to Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, or Generation Z generational cohort. The sample was recruited from members of Zeta Alpha Phi Sorority (pseudonym). The theoretical framework was based on courageous followership, as defined by Chaleff (1995, 2009), and the generational cohort theory. The two independent variables were generational cohorts and tenure. The courageous followership behaviors were the dependent variables. The organizational profile indicated that courageous followership behaviors were present across all generations and tenure groups. The results showed that there was not a significant difference in behaviors between the generational cohorts. Tenure also did not indicate a significant difference in courageous followership behaviors. This research provided a baseline and characterization profile for the Zeta Alpha Phi Sorority. The results could be used to further cultivate followership behaviors in the organizational culture. Future studies may use these results as a starting point to continue examining the effects of tenure and generational cohorts on nontraditional domains such as nonprofits, service, or fraternal organizations.