Charismatic and

Transformational Leadership
 Introduction
Researchers are interested in the emotional and symbolic aspects of
Leadership. This helps us to understand how leaders influence followers
to make self sacrifice and put the needs of the mission or Organization
above their self interest. Theories of Charismatic and transformational
leadership describe this important aspect of Leadership. Charisma is a
Greek word that means “Divinely inspired Gift” such as the ability to
perform miracles. Charisma is also defined as a perception by followers
about the Leader having exceptional qualities. Transformational
Leadership is also described as effective Leaders inspire followers by
appealing to their emotions and ideals.
 Charismatic Leaders Attributes

• Novel and Appealing Vision

• Emotional Appeal to Values
• Unconventional Behaviour
• Self Sacrifices
• Confidence and Optimism
Theory of Charismatic Leadership

• Charismatic Leaders: Likely to have a strong need for power, high self
confidence and strong conviction in their own beliefs and Ideals.
Charismatic Leaders use Language that include symbols, slogans,
imagery and Metaphors that are relevant
• Influence Processes: Personal Identification, Social Identification,
Internalisation, Self and Collective Efficacy, Emotional Contagion
• Facilitating Conditions
 Other Conceptions of Charisma

• Psychodynamic Processes

• Close and Distant Charisma

• Charismatic versus Ideological and Pragmatic Leaders

Consequences of Charismatic Leadership

• Positive and Negative Charismatics

• Effects of Positive Charisma
• Dark Side of Charisma
• Practical Implications for Organisations
 Transformational Leadership

• Leader Behaviours

• Influence Processes

• Facilitating Conditions
Research on Charismatic and
Transformational Leadership

• Survey Studies
• Laboratory and Field Experiments
• Comparative Analysis of Leader Description
• Example of Comparative Biographical Study
• Intensive case studies
 Comparison of Charismatic and
Transformational Leadership
• Some researchers opine that both styles are essentially same,
however some are of the view that they are over lapping
• The Essence of transformational Leadership appears to be
empowering, developing and make them less dependent
• Charismatic Leaders have an image built up of extra ordinary
competence and subordinate dependence
• Transformational Leaders are common in Organisations but
charismatic Leaders are rare
• Charismatic Leaders often polarize
Guide Lines for Transformational Leadership

• Articulate a clear and an appealing vision

• Explain how the vision can be attained
• Act optimistic and confident
• Express confidence in followers
• Use symbolic actions
• Lead by Example
 Conclusion

Charismatic leaders arouse enthusiasm and commitment in followers.

They generally have self confidence, strong conviction, poise, speaking
ability and a dramatic flair. Charismatic Leaders can have tremendous
influence in a corporation but consequences can be adverse. These
leaders may be insensitive, narcissistic and arrogant. Transformational
leaders make aware to followers of the importance and value of the
goals and work. They induce followers to transcend personal interest
and develop follower skills.