Question

Transformational Leadership and Charismatic Leadership are two of the more popular theories currently. Much is being researched and published on these two by numerous scholars.

“The word charisma was first used to describe a special gift that certain individuals possess that gives them the capacity to do extraordinary things.” Therefore this necessarily must be a construct that is internal to the leader himself or herself. Reflect on Table 2.1 of the Northouse book. What traits do you see listed there in those lists that resemble charisma?

Question #1: Support or refute the following statement:

Transformational Leadership and Charismatic Leadership are both predicated on a construct internal to the leader, so in our integrative model that involves the leader, the follower, and the situation, it properly resides internal to the leader. Kind of like a trait.

“In his theory of charismatic leadership, House suggested that charismatic leaders act in unique ways that have specific charismatic effects on their followers.” Northouse continues.

Later, he clarifies, “In summary, charismatic leadership works because it ties followers and their self-concepts to the organizational identity.”

Question #2: Support or refute the following statement:

Transformational Leadership and Charismatic Leadership are both predicated on a construct internal to the follower, so in our integrative model that involves the leader, the follower, and the situation, it properly resides internal to the follower.

Professor Northouse continues, “Consistent with Weber, House contends that these charismatic effects are more likely to occur in contexts in which followers feel distress because in stressful situations followers look to leaders to deliver them from difficulty.” In James MacGregor Burns’s book Leadership he addresses: “Charisma occurs when there is a social crisis.” And, further: “A leader with exceptional personal qualities emerges with a radical vision that provides a solution to the crisis and attracts followers who believe in the vision and perceive the leader to be extraordinary.”

Question #3: Support or refute the following statement:

Transformational Leadership and Charismatic Leadership are both predicated on a construct internal to the situation, so in our integrative model that involves the leader, the follower, and the situation, it properly resides internal to the situation.

Worthy of note… Please observe in the section addressing the criticisms of the theories, “Transformational leaders often play a direct role in creating change…” Back in chapter 1, the word “change” was uttered some sixteen times by my count. Yet, in the comments posted in Discussions, I read “change” about three times, and that was mostly focused on how the definition of leadership had changed over time. So, the chapter defining leadership addresses change multiple times, but doesn’t include it in the definition.

Question #4:

Why wouldn’t change be an integral part of our definition of leadership?

Answer 1

Q1.

ANS: As the statement given “The word charisma was first used to describe a special gift that certain individuals possess that gives them the capacity to do extraordinary things.” i see the following traits of charismatic leadership:

• Charismatic leadership is original: they are original rather than being carbon copy of others, they break the mold. Originality is something that everyone appreciate and support, this traits impulses his capacity to do extraordinary things.
• Charismatic leadership is courageous: they make decision that could be unpopular in the present but are necessarily and are appreciated in the future.This trait helps him to take difficult decision which has capacity to do extraordinary things.

I support the given statement given above because of the following reasons:

• Charismatic Leadership is courageous
• They have the halo effect: leaders who develop high performing companies is called halo effect. They are perceived by others to be leaders who are capable of doing great things.
• They are determined and purposeful.
• They accept Themselves.

Q2.

ANS: I support the given statement “In summary, charismatic leadership works because it ties followers and their self-concepts to the organizational identity.” because of the following reasons:

• Humility: Charismatic leaders also have a sense of humility. They place a lot of value to their followers and have the ability to listen to their concerns.
• Visionary: They have a dream and direction that motivates and inspire others.
• Originality: Charismatic leaders have originality in their work and which ties a sense of belief by their followers.
• Communication: When leaders speak, hey communicate with confidence and charisma which makes its followers to pay attention.

Q3.

ANS: I support the given statement “A leader with exceptional personal qualities emerges with a radical vision that provides a solution to the crisis and attracts followers who believe in the vision and perceive the leader to be extraordinary.” because of the following reasons:

• As, rightly said by  MacGregor Burns’s “Charisma occurs when there is a social crisis.” it is important to have some crises because charismatic leaders emerges with radical vision which transform the entire scenario in favor of them and guides his followers in his footstep.
• Charismatic leaders are visionary that guides them explore new ideas , ways and means to achieve them.
• charismatic leaders have confidence and are courageous with powerful personality.

Q4.

ANS: Change wouldn't be an integral part of defining Leadership because of the following reasons:

• Change is risky
• Change can have Positive or Negative impact.
• Change is Necessary but not Compulsory
• Change leads to resistance.