Invisible Leadership In The Hashtag # Metoo Movement
Nonconsitiuted leaders use invisible leadership. “Invisible leadership incorporates shared leadership processes in which peers lead and influence each other to achieve group goals, including decisions about who among them can or should provide visible leadership on behalf of the group” (Hickman 2010, p 204). While the hashtag #MeToo was created by Tarana Burke over ten years ago, it took an actress with no formal authority, but with social status to bring it to light. Likewise, the leadership involved in the hashtag #MeeToo movement falls under the transforming leadership. Hickman (2010) states, transforming leadership “occurs when one or more persons engage with others in such a way that leaders and followers raise one another to higher
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levels of motivation and morality” (as cited in Hickman, 2010, p. 204-205). The leaders have put their stories out there and giving other victims the strength to speak up also. When actress Alyssa Milano called for victims to use the hashtag she had hoped to inspire and bring about a change which marked her as a leader in this call for change. Northouse (2015) remarks, “Whenever a leader makes a substantial decision, the leader’s emotions are involved. Therefore, emotions need to be embraced and managed for the good of the group” (p. 131). Milano’s personal experience with assault and harassment is what she embraced to take a stand and speak out. The hashtag #MeToo leadership is leadership without formal authority and “…appeals to the moral values of followers” (as cited in Hickman, 2010, p. 205). While Alyssa was not the first to use the hashtag #MeToo, but her celebrity status gave her a platform to be heard.
In the article “When Men See Other Men Behaving Badly,” author Susanna Schrobsdorff points out that many men are asking themselves if they have ever done something to cause someone to feel harassed or assaulted. Susanna calls for men, to take the lead and change their behavior. Leaders have a purpose, according to Hickman, “Their purpose is to take the initiative in mobilizing people for participation in the process of change, encouraging a sense of collective identity and collective efficacy, which in turn brings stronger feelings of self-worth and self-efficacy” (as cited 2010, p 205). Society needs for their men to take the lead and encourage change. Schrobsdorff (2017) states, “It seems to be everywhere, like rot in the walls…The hope is that this catharsis will prompt men and institutions to acknowledge and change” (Section 3, para 1-2).
The hashtag #MeToo is an example of e-leadership. Hickman states, “Advanced information technology makes it feasible and cost effective to launch new social movements that bring together people worldwide around social change issues of importance to millions of individuals” (2010, p 207). The hashtag has in fact brought millions of victims worldwide together.
Change Practices
Nonconstituted Tactics
According to Hickman (2010), new social movements use social change practices such as: “nonconstituted tactics, social movement structure, resource mobilization, assessment of political opportunity structure, social capital development, social power or empowerment, and advocacy” (p. 207). Successively, the hashtag #MeToo movement uses the nonconstituted tactic with advocacy and real world events. Advocacy focuses on critical issues that are being ignored. Furthermore, Hickman (2010), states “Real-world events-An event occurs in the broader society that affects many individual, not just those who are contemplating a mind change…” (p. 210). It is a well-known fact that sexual harassment can be found inside and outside of the work place and far too many times it goes on without retribution. With the hashtag #MeToo movement this real-world event can no longer be ignored. Again social media has been the biggest advocate in the movement. In “Social Media and Social Change,” author Noureddine Miladi points out that social media has not only provided the journalist with new opportunities, but has also endowed the public with a free platform and given a voice to the voiceless. Furthermore, Miladi writes about the influence social media has on the new agenda throughout the world. Finally, Miladi (2016) states that social media has led to social empowerment,
The current evolving social changes vis-à-vis media technologies can be understood throught…emancipatory social function theory of the media. McLuhan observed that the media have extended the human ability to interact with each other on a wider scale and empowered their natural capabilities. This aspect of the media’s social empowerment has been further developed by various scholars (p. 47, para 4).
With social media there is continuous coverage of trending event and with these events at the fingertips of millions it is easy to see how this has become a new form of advocacy.
Outcomes and Impact
Some outcomes from the hashtag #MeToo movement are the formation of Time’s Up which aims to combat workplace sexism, the hashtag #IWillSpeakUp and #SupportSurvivors which is a male violence prevention group, and a new series on 2020 called “My Reality: A Hidden America” which talks to women in lower wage jobs about sexual harassment, assault and inappropriate behavior in their work life. With Time’s Up work towards combating workplace sexism there is sure to be continued change. Megan Garber (2018) reports, “The initiative [of Time’s Up] includes efforts to create legislation that will penalize companies that tolerate harassment, and that will discourage the use of the nondisclosure agreements that have helped to silence victims of abuse” (para 3). The Time’s Up movement is providing resources to the victims. This is an example of resource mobilization. Hickman states, “These resource include time and energy of human resources (people), money, elite sponsorship, technology, media support, favorable public opinion, social capital, and social power” (2010, p. 211). Time’s Up has finical and administered backing by the National Women’s Law Center’s Legal Network for Gender Equity. Society is calling for change across the board inside and outside of the workplace. Time’s Up movement hopes to bring the momentum started by the hashtag #MeToo to the unprivileged.
LaMotte (2017) reports, “it’s the men’s turn” to stand up and speak out against the abuse they witness but too often stay silent (para 7). The #IWillSpeakUp has been rolled out by the group A Call to Men and co-founder Ted Bunch. LaMotte reports Ted saying, “Most men are not abusive. But they are far too often silent about the abuse committed by other men. Their silences is as much of the problem as the abuse (2017, para 10). The hashtags #IWillSpeakUp and #SupportSurvivors gives men a way to stand up for better behavior towards women.
Diane Sawyer is to host “My Reality: A Hidden America” which airs at the end of April 2018. Scoop (2018) reports, “Stories of harassment and abuse have inspired so many prominent women to join the #MeToo and #TimesUp movement (para 1). Now Diane Sawyer has set out to bring light to lower wage workers asking if sexual harassment, assault and inappropriate behavior are part of life. Furthermore, Scoop reports, “A government report says that only a small fraction of workers make formal harassment complaints, and many say they have faced indifference or even hostility from bosses for speaking up” (para 2). “My Reality: A Hidden America” hopes to speak to working women whom don’t speak out in fear of losing their jobs.
The impact of the hashtag #MeToo movement is being felt across business and social boundaries. Businesses have stepped up to the plate and reinforced no tolerance for harassment. Social boundaries have been crossed with more men standing up for victims. Reports also show sexual assault hotlines are feeling the impact. Lauren Prince and Valerie Kipnis (2018) report hotlines have to hire more employees to deal with the rising calls, “In November of 2017, the hotline saw a 26 percent increase in calls…and a 32 percent increase in December” (papa 5). Reports also show conversations about advice on how to talk to law enforcement have increased. Women have been a physical and a digital force and leading others to reach out.
Conclusion
In conclusion social change happens when a leader stands up to correct a wrong in society.
Social change requires non authority leaders and followers to address issues that institutions and authority leaders have neglected to take notice too. Additionally, the leadership in the #MeToo movement is nonconstituted leadership without formal authority. Moreover, this nonconstituted leadership uses invisible leadership, transforming leadership, and e-leadership. Furthermore, this change uses nonconsituted tactics change practices. Advocacy about a real world event has brought light to the need for change. Other social change practices such as resource mobilization are being seen from the impact of the movement. Outcomes of the movement include Time’s Up organization, working towards discontinuing workplace sexism, the hashtag #IWillSpeakUp, which gives men the opportunities to speak up about what they see, and a new TV series, which hopes to take the next step in stopping sexual harassment. While social change takes time, I believe the #MeToo movement is just the beginning of this change and the movements will help keep the momentum going. I believe this change it will fall in line to create a new culture. Society has witnessed culture change in rape cases with the change of “no means no” to “yes means yes”. A victim no long has to say no, the predator now must prove they heard yes. The culture that it’s ok to keep doing what has be happening for years is changing and this movement is blazing the
way.
levels of motivation and morality” (as cited in Hickman, 2010, p. 204-205). The leaders have put their stories out there and giving other victims the strength to speak up also. When actress Alyssa Milano called for victims to use the hashtag she had hoped to inspire and bring about a change which marked her as a leader in this call for change. Northouse (2015) remarks, “Whenever a leader makes a substantial decision, the leader’s emotions are involved. Therefore, emotions need to be embraced and managed for the good of the group” (p. 131). Milano’s personal experience with assault and harassment is what she embraced to take a stand and speak out. The hashtag #MeToo leadership is leadership without formal authority and “…appeals to the moral values of followers” (as cited in Hickman, 2010, p. 205). While Alyssa was not the first to use the hashtag #MeToo, but her celebrity status gave her a platform to be heard.
In the article “When Men See Other Men Behaving Badly,” author Susanna Schrobsdorff points out that many men are asking themselves if they have ever done something to cause someone to feel harassed or assaulted. Susanna calls for men, to take the lead and change their behavior. Leaders have a purpose, according to Hickman, “Their purpose is to take the initiative in mobilizing people for participation in the process of change, encouraging a sense of collective identity and collective efficacy, which in turn brings stronger feelings of self-worth and self-efficacy” (as cited 2010, p 205). Society needs for their men to take the lead and encourage change. Schrobsdorff (2017) states, “It seems to be everywhere, like rot in the walls…The hope is that this catharsis will prompt men and institutions to acknowledge and change” (Section 3, para 1-2).
The hashtag #MeToo is an example of e-leadership. Hickman states, “Advanced information technology makes it feasible and cost effective to launch new social movements that bring together people worldwide around social change issues of importance to millions of individuals” (2010, p 207). The hashtag has in fact brought millions of victims worldwide together.
Change Practices
Nonconstituted Tactics
According to Hickman (2010), new social movements use social change practices such as: “nonconstituted tactics, social movement structure, resource mobilization, assessment of political opportunity structure, social capital development, social power or empowerment, and advocacy” (p. 207). Successively, the hashtag #MeToo movement uses the nonconstituted tactic with advocacy and real world events. Advocacy focuses on critical issues that are being ignored. Furthermore, Hickman (2010), states “Real-world events-An event occurs in the broader society that affects many individual, not just those who are contemplating a mind change…” (p. 210). It is a well-known fact that sexual harassment can be found inside and outside of the work place and far too many times it goes on without retribution. With the hashtag #MeToo movement this real-world event can no longer be ignored. Again social media has been the biggest advocate in the movement. In “Social Media and Social Change,” author Noureddine Miladi points out that social media has not only provided the journalist with new opportunities, but has also endowed the public with a free platform and given a voice to the voiceless. Furthermore, Miladi writes about the influence social media has on the new agenda throughout the world. Finally, Miladi (2016) states that social media has led to social empowerment,
The current evolving social changes vis-à-vis media technologies can be understood throught…emancipatory social function theory of the media. McLuhan observed that the media have extended the human ability to interact with each other on a wider scale and empowered their natural capabilities. This aspect of the media’s social empowerment has been further developed by various scholars (p. 47, para 4).
With social media there is continuous coverage of trending event and with these events at the fingertips of millions it is easy to see how this has become a new form of advocacy.
Outcomes and Impact
Some outcomes from the hashtag #MeToo movement are the formation of Time’s Up which aims to combat workplace sexism, the hashtag #IWillSpeakUp and #SupportSurvivors which is a male violence prevention group, and a new series on 2020 called “My Reality: A Hidden America” which talks to women in lower wage jobs about sexual harassment, assault and inappropriate behavior in their work life. With Time’s Up work towards combating workplace sexism there is sure to be continued change. Megan Garber (2018) reports, “The initiative [of Time’s Up] includes efforts to create legislation that will penalize companies that tolerate harassment, and that will discourage the use of the nondisclosure agreements that have helped to silence victims of abuse” (para 3). The Time’s Up movement is providing resources to the victims. This is an example of resource mobilization. Hickman states, “These resource include time and energy of human resources (people), money, elite sponsorship, technology, media support, favorable public opinion, social capital, and social power” (2010, p. 211). Time’s Up has finical and administered backing by the National Women’s Law Center’s Legal Network for Gender Equity. Society is calling for change across the board inside and outside of the workplace. Time’s Up movement hopes to bring the momentum started by the hashtag #MeToo to the unprivileged.
LaMotte (2017) reports, “it’s the men’s turn” to stand up and speak out against the abuse they witness but too often stay silent (para 7). The #IWillSpeakUp has been rolled out by the group A Call to Men and co-founder Ted Bunch. LaMotte reports Ted saying, “Most men are not abusive. But they are far too often silent about the abuse committed by other men. Their silences is as much of the problem as the abuse (2017, para 10). The hashtags #IWillSpeakUp and #SupportSurvivors gives men a way to stand up for better behavior towards women.
Diane Sawyer is to host “My Reality: A Hidden America” which airs at the end of April 2018. Scoop (2018) reports, “Stories of harassment and abuse have inspired so many prominent women to join the #MeToo and #TimesUp movement (para 1). Now Diane Sawyer has set out to bring light to lower wage workers asking if sexual harassment, assault and inappropriate behavior are part of life. Furthermore, Scoop reports, “A government report says that only a small fraction of workers make formal harassment complaints, and many say they have faced indifference or even hostility from bosses for speaking up” (para 2). “My Reality: A Hidden America” hopes to speak to working women whom don’t speak out in fear of losing their jobs.
The impact of the hashtag #MeToo movement is being felt across business and social boundaries. Businesses have stepped up to the plate and reinforced no tolerance for harassment. Social boundaries have been crossed with more men standing up for victims. Reports also show sexual assault hotlines are feeling the impact. Lauren Prince and Valerie Kipnis (2018) report hotlines have to hire more employees to deal with the rising calls, “In November of 2017, the hotline saw a 26 percent increase in calls…and a 32 percent increase in December” (papa 5). Reports also show conversations about advice on how to talk to law enforcement have increased. Women have been a physical and a digital force and leading others to reach out.
Conclusion
In conclusion social change happens when a leader stands up to correct a wrong in society.
Social change requires non authority leaders and followers to address issues that institutions and authority leaders have neglected to take notice too. Additionally, the leadership in the #MeToo movement is nonconstituted leadership without formal authority. Moreover, this nonconstituted leadership uses invisible leadership, transforming leadership, and e-leadership. Furthermore, this change uses nonconsituted tactics change practices. Advocacy about a real world event has brought light to the need for change. Other social change practices such as resource mobilization are being seen from the impact of the movement. Outcomes of the movement include Time’s Up organization, working towards discontinuing workplace sexism, the hashtag #IWillSpeakUp, which gives men the opportunities to speak up about what they see, and a new TV series, which hopes to take the next step in stopping sexual harassment. While social change takes time, I believe the #MeToo movement is just the beginning of this change and the movements will help keep the momentum going. I believe this change it will fall in line to create a new culture. Society has witnessed culture change in rape cases with the change of “no means no” to “yes means yes”. A victim no long has to say no, the predator now must prove they heard yes. The culture that it’s ok to keep doing what has be happening for years is changing and this movement is blazing the
way.