Charismatic Leadership Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Charismatic Leadership - Case Study Example The social conditions and patterns of the charismatic leadership were expected to be the reason for a strong bond between followers and the leaders. Dominating charismatic leaders are visionary and have strong convictions, sensitive to environmental resources and constraints, unconventional in behavior and self-confident. However, researchers have also argued that psychological attributes can also create charismatic leaders. The major assumptions regarding charismatic leadership are personal admirations among followers for the leaders and self-belief in the leader. Few of the basic characteristics of charismatic leaders are: A charismatic leader is creative and unconventional. While resolving issues and troubleshooting, charismatic leaders always look for solutions which are creative and unconventional. These methods are also used to attract others attention towards key issues (Jacobsen 75) They possess effective and influential interpersonal communication skills. They are always rea dy to demonstrate attention and respect towards self as well as others. Through self-sacrifice and personal risks, they are able to create loyalty and absolute trustworthiness. Theories of charismatic leadership Various theories have been established in order to explain the origin and evolution of charismatic leadership style. Few of the well known and popular theories are described below: Weberian Perspective Weber first coined the term â€Å"charisma† and described charismatic leaders as the one who bears the ability to implement drastic social changes. He identified that these kinds of leaders arise in periods of physical, economical, psychotic, religious, political or ethical distress. He also referred charismatic leaders as superhuman or supernatural with exceptional qualities and powers. According to this theory, the loyalty and passion of followers might have aroused out of hope, despair or enthusiasm. He also argued that the major difference between bureaucratic and c harismatic leadership is that charisma appeals to those with a revolutionary attitude. Rebel Leadership of Downton Downton (20-70) proposed the theory of charismatic leadership in context of political and rebel leaders. He argued that effect of charismatic leaders on followers is potent and influential because of their authority and transcendental ideals which facilitates the identification of followers with the leaders. This condition is characterized by psychological changes, solidification of trust and loyalty towards the leader. However, charismatic leadership is independent of other leadership styles such as inspirational. He had also concluded that the position of charismatic leaders can be maintained if they are able to establish security and provide a new cultural reinforcement or identity especially for those followers whose socialization or psychological dispositions are to obey orders. Psychological theory Psychological theory was first presented by House (189-207) in ord er to explain charismatic leadership behaviors. The overall psychological impact of this leadership style on the