A Leadership Research of Cultural Influence from Follower''s Perspective─ A Case Study on Master Cheng Yen and Buddhist Tzu Chi Merit Society

• Main Authors: Fan-San Lee, 李芳三
• Other Authors: Zhi-chao Lai
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2004
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/73495444801410420606

碩士 === 國立雲林科技大學 === 應用外語系碩士班 === 92 === This study approached leadership research from followers'' perspective. It aimed at understanding how culture affected followers'' perception of leadership and selection of leaders. The case studied was Master Cheng Yen and Buddhist Tzu Chi Merit Society. Data collected consisted of focus group discussions and existing documents. In addition to one pilot testing group, four focus group sessions were held; thirty-two Tzu Chi people in three locations were invited to attend the focus group discussions. Complete transcriptions of focus group discussion were analyzed with data collected from documents. Data were analyzed in accordance with the listed research questions. This study identified Master Cheng Yen''s charismatic leadership, and concluded six types of traditional cultural patterns and five categories of social factors that were conducive to the development of Buddhist Tzu Chi Merit Society; it also distinguished the followers'' needs that led them into the organization. Further analysis indicated that cultural and social factors were beneficial to the development of Buddhist Tzu Chi Merit Society. It was the personal charisma and effective leadership of Master Cheng Yen, however, that satisfied the needs of Tzu Chi people and transferred Tzu Chi into an active organization and a place for personal moral practice. Therefore, after joining Tzu Chi, many people never considered pulling back. In sum, this study recognized that effective leadership was the combination of leader''s characteristics and cultural and social reality. Social reality also facilitated portraying the leader to its potential followers. When leaders'' characteristics met followers'' needs, followership might happen.