Charismatic leadership: a group-analytic perspective

Abstract

This article investigates the concepts of charisma and charismatic leadership in psychotherapeutic, religious and political settings. The author explores the associations of charisma with power and emotional arousal and differentiates between charismatic leadership exercised with benign and harmful intent. Personal narratives of charismatic figures are drawn on to illustrate the psychological underpinnings of charisma as well as the social climate in which charismatic leadership flourishes. The author argues that charismatic leaders make use of techniques such as dramatization, paradox and the simultaneous instillation of hope and fear in order to foster bonds of dependence. The therapeutic and counter-therapeutic implications of these techniques are examined.

Views on empathy and leadership in business schools: An empirical study of undergraduate students

“…The leader provides a basic need in the follower. Spiritual and emotional fulfilment create an almost physical attachment based on loyalty (Behr, 2021). Charisma “engages the susceptible person at a deep emotional level; some people feel an almost soulful connection to the leader” (Behr, 2021, p, 209).…”

“…Spiritual and emotional fulfilment create an almost physical attachment based on loyalty (Behr, 2021). Charisma “engages the susceptible person at a deep emotional level; some people feel an almost soulful connection to the leader” (Behr, 2021, p, 209). Empathetic people would be able to relate to the connection between charisma and empathy.…”

“…We also determined that students with greater empathy prioritized charisma as a leadership trait. Behr (2021) mentions that empathy is a part of charismatic leadership. Charismatic leadership links to identification and submission (Behr, 2021).…”

“…Behr (2021) mentions that empathy is a part of charismatic leadership. Charismatic leadership links to identification and submission (Behr, 2021). Targets of the charismatic leader begin to feel kinship (as if he or she speaks for them and feels for them).…”