The mutability of charisma in leadership research

• Published in: Management decision Vol. 40; no. 2; pp. 192 - 200
• Main Authors: Paul, Jim, Costley, Dan L, Howell, Jon P, Dorfman, Peter W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London MCB UP Ltd 01-03-2002; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Behavior; Charisma; Corporate culture; History; Individual behaviour; Leadership; Management theory; Religion; Sociology; Theology; United States > US; History; Leadership; Individual behaviour
• ISSN: 0025-1747; 1758-6070
• DOI: 10.1108/00251740210422866

This article reveals the mutability of charisma by tracing changes in the conceptualization of charisma throughout the history of leadership research. Religious, societal, and organizational phases in the conceptualization of charisma are identified. The mutability of charisma has extended charismatic leadership theory from the domain of theology to multiple facets of the organizational sciences. Shifting conceptualizations of charisma that emphasize different elements have facilitated the study of leader traits, leader behaviors, situational contingencies, leader and organizational communications, and organizational cultures. These pluralistic conceptualizations of leadership and charisma have broadened our understanding of charismatic leadership. Yet, we must acknowledge that the breadth of knowledge we have gained has been at the expense of a more profound understanding of any one particular conceptualization of charisma.