When individuals follow a leader due to fear, what are they doing?

When individuals follow a leader due to fear, they are yielding to the authority and demands of that leader, often as a result of coercion or intimidation. Yielding implies a lack of genuine consent or willingness, instead indicating that the followers are submitting to the leader's power out of fear for the consequences of not complying. This type of following typically does not involve respect or trust and can lead to a negative environment where individuals feel pressured to act against their better judgment.

The other choices represent different forms of interaction with a leader. Leading involves guiding or directing others, which contrasts with the passive and submissive nature of yielding. Cooperating suggests a mutual engagement in working towards common goals, characterized by agreement and voluntary participation, rather than fear-driven compliance. Obeying, while seemingly similar, often carries with it a sense of duty or obligation and can occur in contexts where rules are followed positively, rather than out of fear. Thus, yielding best captures the essence of following a leader due to fear.