Charismatic Leadership Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Charismatic Leadership Theory - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that while charismatic leadership theory constitutes one of the major leadership theories, there is a great degree of variety in what research identify as the core elements of this theory. It follows that a multi-perspective approach must be implemented in articulating the various aspects of this leadership model. Charisma was first considered as a construct within a sociological context by the theorist Max Weber who considered it in relation to large-scale change enacted by skilled and mystical individuals in times social crisis; this is notable as Weber’s initial characterization of this theory considered it as requiring both a special individual, as well as an external crisis situation for the core of the charismatic process to occur, Later theories would emphasize less the external circumstances, as the charismatic traits of the leader and their followers. In terms of leadership, the theory was advanced by Conger and Kanungo who considered it in terms of a number of personality factors, including strategic vision and articulation, and sensitivity to environmental context. Since this precedent, charisma has been used and developed as a leadership theory in a variety of contexts. There are a variety of charismatic leadership theories, influenced by Weber’s original articulation of the concept, that incorporates psychological theories as key elements in the leadership model.