Primary Study of Leader and Follower Relationship in Asia: Empirical Study on Managers at AEON in Asian Countries

This paper discusses the characteristics of leaders and that of followers as well as the relationship between those characteristics. Review of literature led this study to examine the degree of empowerment held by leaders and Kelley's followership style held by followers in AEON group of companies in Asia, which is one of the largest, leading retail firms in Japan. Based on the characteristics of leaders and followers, this study further examined the correlation between those characteristics. Empirical findings derived from this study led us to generate three propositions regarding of the interaction between leadership and followership. Lastly, we discuss possible influence from specific cultural issues which might influence over the data.