Fundamentals of Management, 8th ed

substitutes for

leadership

A concept that

identifies situations

in which leader

behaviors are

neutralized or

replaced by

characteristics of the

subordinate, the

task, and the

organization

charismatic

leadership

Assumes that

charisma is an

individual

characteristic of the

leader

charisma

A form of

interpersonal

attraction that

inspires support and

acceptance

344

Part 4: Leading

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Robert House first proposed a theory of charismatic leadership, based on research findings

from a variety of social science disciplines.

32

His theory suggests that charismatic leaders are

likely to have a lot of self-confidence, a firm conviction in their beliefs and ideals, and a strong

need to influence people. They also tend to communicate high expectations about follower

performance and express confidence in followers. Donald Trump is an excellent example of

a charismatic leader. Even though he has made his share of mistakes and generally is

perceived as only an “average” manager, many people view him as larger than life.

33

Most experts acknowledge three elements of charismatic leadership in organizations

today.

34

First, the leader needs to be able to envision the future, set high expectations,

and model behaviors consistent with meeting those expectations. Next, the charismatic

leader must be able to energize others through a demonstration of personal excitement,

personal confidence, and patterns of success. Finally, the charismatic leader enables others

by supporting them, empathizing with them, and expressing confidence in them.

35

Charismatic leadership ideas are quite popular among managers today and are the sub-

ject of numerous books and articles. Unfortunately, few studies have attempted to specifi-

cally test the meaning and impact of charismatic leadership. There are also lingering

ethical issues about charismatic leadership that trouble some people. For instance, Presi-

dent Bill Clinton was a charismatic leader. But some of his critics argued that this very

charisma caused his supporters to overlook his flaws and to minimize some of his indis-

cretions. In contrast, President George W. Bush did not possess a high level of charisma,

and this may have enabled some critics to magnify his shortcomings.