Sheng, X., Andrews, W. A., & van Vugt, M. (2026). The Psychology of Following: Conceptualizing and Validating the Fundamental Follower
Needs Inventory. Journal of Applied Psychology.(link)

 

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 (United States, 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.