Charismatic Leadership: The Influence of Leader Characteristics on Organizational Outcomes and Employee Behavior
Overview
This paper examines charismatic leadership and its significant impact on employee behavior and organizational performance. It explores how charismatic leaders use vision, personal risk-taking, and emotional connection to influence followers, drawing on contemporary research and historical examples to illustrate both the positive potential and potential pitfalls of charismatic leadership in organizational settings.
What this essay covers
- Introduction to charismatic leadership concepts and definitions with reference to McClean & Collins (2019)
- Characteristics distinguishing charismatic leaders including vision, responsiveness, risk-taking, and collective identity
- Analysis of charismatic leadership in small business contexts and talent attraction
- Historical examination of charisma using Mussolini as case study with discussion of founding myths and collective language
- Effect-focused approach to defining charisma and leader-follower emotional dynamics per Sy, Horton & Riggio (2018)
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Charismatic Leadership
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Charismatic Leadership
- McClean, E., & Collins, C. J. (2019). Expanding the concept of fit in strategic human resource management: An examination of the relationship between human resource practices and charismatic leadership on organizational outcomes. Human Resource Management, 58(2), 187-202.
Scholars have claimed that charismatic leadership has a particularly significant potential for influencing employee behavior and, as a result, business performance. The capacity to define and deliver a consistent and compelling long-term vision, be responsive to their setting and members' requirements, be prepared to take personal risks for the firm's good, and highlight collective identity distinguishes charismatic leaders from others. Charismatic leaders, like HCHR methods, can help attract top talent and drive employees to behave in a way that benefits the company. For two key reasons, charismatic CEOs may be especially valuable in the setting of small businesses. First, excellent leaders establish a connection between employees and the company, motivating them to act in ways that benefit them. Charismatic CEOs may motivate employees to stay with the leader and favorably affect employee motivation to contribute to the company's more significant benefit through symbolic behaviors and personal encounters.
- Roger Eatwell (2006) The Concept and Theory of Charismatic Leadership, Totalitarian Movements, and Political Religions, 7:2, 141-156, DOI: 10.1080/14690760600642156
Charismatic leaders sometimes make compromises. A classic example is Mussolini's programmatic adaption to conservatism during his desire for power.