Difference between revisions of "Charisma" - New World Encyclopedia

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The term '''charisma''' originates from the [[Greek language|Greek]] word χάρισμα meaning "gift" or "divine favor" and most often refers to a rare trait found in certain human personalities which can include extreme charm, a "magnetic" quality of personality and/or appearance, and an innate and powerfully sophisticated personal communicability and persuasiveness. Charisma is often used to describe a seemingly uncanny ability of one to charm or influence other people. It refers especially to a quality in certain people who easily draw the attention and admiration, or in negative cases hatred, of others due to an alluring quality of personality. Other similar terms or phrases related to charisma can include: [[grace]], exuberance, [[equanimity]], [[mystique]], positive energy, "right stuff," joie de vivre, [[charm]], personal magnetism, personal appeal, "electricity," and [[allure]]. Many of these qualities must be present within an individual in order for the person to be considered 'charismatic' by the public and their peers.
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The term '''charisma''' originates from the [[Greek language|Greek]] word χάρισμα meaning "gift" or "divine favor" and most often refers to a rare trait found in certain human [[personality|personalities]] which can include extreme charm, a "magnetic" quality of personality and/or appearance, and an innate and powerfully sophisticated personal ability to [[communication|communicate]] and [[persuasion|persuade]]. It refers especially to a quality in certain people, both women and men, who easily draw the attention and admiration, or in negative cases hatred, of others due to an alluring quality of personality.  
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{{toc}}
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Charismatic leaders are those whose charismatic qualities inspires others to follow them. Whether such leadership has beneficial results or not depends on other aspects of the leader, namely whether their [[motivation]] is self-centered or for the good of all, whether they have the ability to develop effective strategies to accomplish their goals, and whether the content of their message and goals enhances or reduces the quality of life of members of the society.
  
 
==Characteristics==
 
==Characteristics==
 
[[Image:Bloch-SermonOnTheMount.jpg|thumb|300px|right|[[Jesus]] is considered by many to be an example of a charismatic authority.]]
 
[[Image:Bloch-SermonOnTheMount.jpg|thumb|300px|right|[[Jesus]] is considered by many to be an example of a charismatic authority.]]
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Charismatic individuals generally project unusual confidence, serenity, assertiveness, authenticity, and focus, along with superb communication skills. To the early Greeks, charisma was said to be a "gift of grace," implying that this "divine quality" was an inborn trait. Today, many believe charisma can be taught or even learned, despite a persistent inability to accurately define or even fully understand the complex term.  In many individuals, the use of charisma can lead to the development of a [[charismatic authority]] which may allow the individual to influence and lead others.
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'''Charismatic''' individuals generally project unusual confidence, serenity, assertiveness, authenticity, and focus, along with superb [[communication]] skills. Other similar terms or phrases related to charisma can include: grace, exuberance, equanimity, mystique, positive energy, "right stuff," joie de vivre, charm, personal magnetism, personal appeal, "electricity," and allure. Many of these qualities must be present within an individual in order for the person to be considered "charismatic" by the public and their peers.
  
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The study, recognition, and development of charisma in individuals is of particular interest to [[sociologist]]s, [[psychologist]]s, popular [[politician]]s, [[public speaker]]s, and [[entertainer]]s. In recent years the study of charisma has also reached areas of the business community, [[academics]] and other areas involving [[leadership]] studies or [[leadership development]].  
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To the early Greeks, charisma was said to be a "gift of grace," implying that this "divine quality" was an inborn trait. Today, many believe charisma can be taught or even learned, despite a persistent inability to accurately define or even fully understand the complex term. In many individuals, the use of charisma can lead to the development of a [[Charisma#Charismatic Authority|charismatic authority]] which may allow the individual to influence and lead others.
  
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Charisma has also been defined as a "set of behaviors or traits"; for example, a modern psychological approach posits that charisma is basically aggregative, a conglomeration of distinct personality traits that meld well in certain individuals to form the broad quality known as charisma. Theatrically, charisma is prevalent [[Theatre|on-stage]] and in [[film]]s, and can be encapsulated in [[verbal]] and [[non-verbal communication]].
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The study, recognition, and development of charisma in individuals is of particular interest to [[sociology|sociologist]]s, [[psychologist]]s, popular [[politics|politician]]s, [[oratory|public speaker]]s, and entertainers. In recent years the study of charisma has also reached areas of the [[business]] community and other areas involving [[leadership]] studies or leadership development.
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Charisma has also been defined as a "set of behaviors or traits"; for example, a modern psychological approach posits that charisma is basically aggregative, a conglomeration of distinct [[personality]] traits that meld well in certain individuals to form the broad quality known as charisma. Theatrically, charisma is prevalent [[Theater|on-stage]] and in [[film]]s, and can be encapsulated in verbal and non-verbal communication.
  
 
==Charismatic Authority==
 
==Charismatic Authority==
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[[Charismatic]] authority is defined as the 'power legitimized on the basis of a leader's exceptional personal qualities or the demonstration of extraordinary insight and accomplishment, which inspire loyalty and obedience from followers' <ref>Kendall, D., J. Murray, and R. Linden. ''Sociology in Our Time''. Wadsworth Publishing; Scarborough, Ont. 2000. ISBN 0495096563 </ref>. As such, it rests almost entirely on the [[leadership|leader]]; the absence of that leader for any reason can lead to the authority's power dissolving. However, due to its idiosyncratic nature and lack of formal [[organization]], charismatic authority depends strongly on the perceived [[legitimacy]] of the authority figure. For instance, a charismatic leader in a [[religion|religious]] context might promote an unchallenged [[belief]] that he or she has been touched by [[God]], in the sense of a [[guru]] or [[prophet]]. Should the strength of this belief fade, the power of the charismatic leader may also fade, which is one of the ways in which this form of authority shows itself to be unstable.  
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Charismatic authority is defined as the "power legitimized on the basis of a leader's exceptional personal qualities or the demonstration of extraordinary insight and accomplishment, which inspire loyalty and obedience from followers." <ref>D. Kendall, J. Murray, and R. Linden, ''Sociology in Our Time''. (Wadsworth Publishing; Scarborough, Ont. 2000. ISBN 0495096563) </ref>. As such, it rests almost entirely on the [[leadership|leader]]; the absence of that leader for any reason can lead to the authority's power dissolving. However, due to its idiosyncratic nature and lack of formal [[organization]], charismatic authority depends strongly on the perceived [[legitimacy]] of the authority figure. For instance, a charismatic leader in a [[religion|religious]] context might promote an unchallenged [[belief]] that he or she has been touched by [[God]], in the sense of a [[guru]] or [[prophet]]. Should the strength of this belief fade, the power of the charismatic leader may also fade, which is one of the ways in which this form of authority shows itself to be unstable.  
  
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In contrast to the current popular use of the term charismatic leader, German Sociologist [[Max Weber]] saw charismatic authority not so much attributed to the character traits of the charismatic leader but as developing out of a relationship between the leader and his or her followers. Weber believed the validity of charisma to be founded on its [[recognition]] by certain followers. He believed this recognition to be based not on the grounds of legitimacy, but on a sense of duty belonging to certain followers who believe they are especially chosen to recognize and confirm the exceptional qualities of their leader.  
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In contrast to the popular use of the term, "charismatic leader," German [[sociology|sociologist]] [[Max Weber]] saw charismatic authority not so much attributed to the character traits of the charismatic leader but as developing out of a relationship between the leader and followers. Weber believed the validity of charisma to be founded on its [[recognition]] by certain followers. He believed this recognition to be based not on the grounds of legitimacy, but on a sense of duty belonging to certain followers who believe they are especially chosen to recognize and confirm the exceptional qualities of their leader.  
  
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According to Weber, a charismatic leader is not solely of a positive force. Many sociologists argue that both [[Winston Churchill]] and [[Adolf Hitler]] could exemplify the characteristics of charismatic leaders. Furthermore, society often remains neutral towards both positive and negative forms of charismatic domination. French sociologist [[Pierre Bourdieu]] supported many of Weber’s claims, and further stressed a leader to have charisma only if other people ''accept'' that he or she may have it. He argued that charisma usually depends on an "inaugural act" such as a decisive battle or moving speech after which the charismatic person will be regarded as such.
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According to Weber, a charismatic leader is not solely of a positive force. Many sociologists argue that both [[Winston Churchill]] and [[Adolf Hitler]] could exemplify the characteristics of charismatic leaders. Furthermore, society often remains neutral towards both positive and negative forms of charismatic domination. French sociologist [[Pierre Bourdieu]] supported many of Weber’s claims, and further stressed a leader to have charisma only if other people "accept" that he or she may have it. Bourdieu argued that charisma usually depends on an "inaugural act," such as a decisive battle or moving speech after which the person will be regarded as a charismatic leader.
  
 
===Routinization===
 
===Routinization===
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Charismatic authority almost always evolves in the context of traditional authority which provides comparative forms and boundaries. However, by its nature, charismatic authority tends to challenge conventionally accepted forms of authority and is therefore often considered [[revolutionary]]. However the constant challenge that charismatic authority presents to older forms of authority must eventually subside or be incorporated into a society through the process of routinization.   
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Charismatic authority almost always evolves in the context of traditional authority which provides comparative forms and boundaries. However, by its nature, charismatic authority tends to challenge conventionally accepted forms of authority and is therefore often considered [[revolution]]ary. This constant challenge that charismatic authority presents to older forms of authority must eventually subside or be incorporated into a society through the process of routinization.   
  
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Routinization is the process by which charismatic authority is replaced by a rationally established authority. Such routinization can be seen in the example of the prophet [[Muhammad]], who maintained charismatic authority among his followers though He was eventually succeeded by the traditional authority and structure of [[Islam]].
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Routinization is the process by which charismatic authority is replaced by a rationally established authority. Such routinization can be seen in the example of the prophet [[Muhammad]], who maintained charismatic authority among his followers, although he was eventually succeeded by the traditional authority and structure of [[Islam]].
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Politically, charismatic rule can be found in various [[Authoritarianism|authoritarian states]], [[Autocracy|autocracies]], [[dictatorship]]s and [[Theocracy|theocracies]]. In many circumstances when the leader of such a state dies or leaves office and a new charismatic leader does not appear, such a regime is more likely to fall afterward. As in the example of Islam, a religion which evolves its own [[priesthood]] and establishes a set of laws and rules is most likely to lose its charismatic character and eventually move toward a second type of authority upon the removal of that leader.
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Politically, charismatic rule can be found in various [[Authoritarianism|authoritarian states]], [[Autocracy|autocracies]], [[dictatorship]]s, and [[Theocracy|theocracies]]. In many circumstances when the leader of such a state dies or leaves office and a new charismatic leader does not appear, such a regime is more likely to fall. As in the example of Islam, a [[religion]] which evolves its own [[priesthood]] and establishes a set of laws and rules is most likely to lose its charismatic character and eventually move toward a second type of authority upon the removal of that leader.
  
 
==The Study of Charismatic Leadership==
 
==The Study of Charismatic Leadership==
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The study of charismatic leadership has been undertaken by many professional scholars throughout history. In particular, the relationship between charismatic leadership and the onset of new religious movements has been closely monitored by scholars of a sociological, psychological and religious background. Some historical patterns have proved to emerge.  
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The study of charismatic leadership has been undertaken by many professional scholars throughout history. In particular, the relationship between charismatic leadership and the onset of [[new religious movement]]s has been closely monitored by scholars of a [[sociology|sociological]], [[psychology|psychological]], and [[religion|religious]] background. Some historical patterns have emerged.  
  
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[[Richard Wiseman]], Professor of the [[Public Understanding of Psychology]] at the [[University of Hertfordshire]], UK, maintains that a charismatic person has three attributes; a strong feeling of emotion, the ability to induce strong feelings in others, and an imperviousness to the influence of other charismatic people. <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4579681.stm Charisma] — [[BBC]] News. </ref>
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According to psychologist Richard Wiseman,<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4579681.stm Charisma: a step-by-step guide] BBC News. Retrieved April 26, 2007.</ref> a charismatic person has three attributes:
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#they feel [[emotion]]s themselves quite strongly;
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#they induce them in others;
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#and they are impervious to the influences of other charismatic people.
  
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In regards to religious charisma, [[George D. Chryssides]], the Head of Religious Studies at the University of Wolverhampton, asserts that not all new religious movements have charismatic leaders, and that there are differences in the hegemonic styles among those movements that do. <ref>Chryssides, George D. ''Unrecognized Charisma? A Study and Comparison of Four Charismatic Leaders''. [http://www.cesnur.org/2001/london2001/chryssides.htm  2001 International Conference : The Spiritual Supermarket: Religious Pluralism in the 21st Century]. 19 April, 2001. London, England. </ref> However Eileen Barker, Professor of Sociology at the London School of Economics, has claimed that in many new religious movements there is often employed a founder or leader who wields charismatic authority and is believed to have some special powers or knowledge. Barker asserts that almost by definition, charismatic leaders are unpredictable, for they are not bound to tradition or rules. In many circumstances, Barker asserts a warning when a leader who lacks accountability requires from their following an unquestioned obedience, and subsequently encourages a growing dependency upon the movement for all material, spiritual and social resources. <ref> Barker, Eileen. ''New Religious Movements: A Practical Introduction''. Bernan Press, 1990. ISBN 0113409273 </ref>.  
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In regards to religious charisma, [[George D. Chryssides]] has asserted that not all new religious movements have charismatic leaders, and that there are differences in the hegemonic styles among those movements that do. However [[Eileen Barker]] has claimed that in many new religious movements there is often employed a founder or leader who wields charismatic authority and is believed to have some special powers or knowledge. Barker asserts that almost by definition, charismatic leaders are unpredictable, for they are not bound to tradition or rules. In many circumstances, Barker asserts a warning when a leader who lacks accountability requires from their following an unquestioned obedience, and subsequently encourages a growing dependency upon the movement for all material, spiritual, and social resources.  
  
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Australian psychologist [[Len Oakes]], who authored a dissertation regarding prophetic charisma, invited eleven charismatic leaders to complete a psychometric test, which he labeled the [[adjective checklist]]. Though Oakes found the group “quite ordinary”, the findings of his study led him to argue that the majority of charismatic leaders exhibit traits of [[narcissism]], display an extraordinary amount of energy, and an inner clarity unhindered by the anxieties and guilt that afflict most people. <ref>Oakes, Len: ''Prophetic Charisma: The Psychology of Revolutionary Religious Personalities''. Syracuse University Press, 1997. ISBN 0815603983. </ref>
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Australian psychologist [[Len Oakes]], who authored a dissertation regarding prophetic charisma, invited eleven charismatic leaders to complete a [[psychometrics|psychometric]] test, which he labeled the "adjective checklist." Though Oakes found the group “quite ordinary,” the findings of his study led him to argue that the majority of charismatic leaders exhibit traits of [[narcissism]], display an extraordinary amount of energy, and an inner clarity unhindered by the anxieties and guilt that afflict most people.
  
 
==Charismatic Leaders==
 
==Charismatic Leaders==
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The following is a sample of people whose leadership has been characterized as based on charismatic authority by listed sources. Charismatic authority is a sociological concept and one of three forms of authority as defined by [[Max Weber]]'s tripartite classification of authority.
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The following is a small sample of people whose leadership has been characterized, according to listed sources, as based on charismatic authority according to the sociological concept defined by [[Max Weber]] as "resting on devotion to the exceptional sanctity, heroism or exemplary character of an individual person, and of the normative patterns or order revealed or ordained by him.<ref>Max Weber, ''Legitimation, Method, and the Politics of Theory''. (Sheldon S. Wolin. ''Political Theory'', Vol. 9. 1981) </ref>"
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Weber defines '''charismatic authority''' as: "resting on devotion to the exceptional sanctity, heroism or exemplary character of an individual person, and of the normative patterns or order revealed or ordained by him."
 
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===In politics===
 
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*[[Alexander the Great]]
 
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*[[Mustafa Kemal Atatürk]]<ref>http://www.ataturk.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=26 http://www.mrdowling.com/608-ataturk.html </ref>
 
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*[[Fidel Castro]]<ref>[http://www.twq.com/winter01/geyer.pdf As Fidel Fades] Washington Quarterly 2001 : Psychology of a Charismatic Leader</ref><ref> [http://web.pdx.edu/~tothm/essays/essays/toward_a_theory_of__the_routiniz.htm Towards a theory of the routinization of Charisma] </ref><ref>[http://www.leadershipreview.org/2004fall/article2_fall_2004.asp Leadership Review] Erin Bream</ref>
 
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*[[Winston Churchill]]<ref name="Oakes">Oakes, Len: ''Prophetic Charisma: The Psychology of Revolutionary Religious Personalities'', 1997, ISBN 0-8156-0398-3</ref>
 
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*[[Mahatma Gandhi]]<ref name="Oakes" /> (also involved in religion)
 
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*[[Che Guevara]]
 
  
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*[[Adolf Hitler]]<ref>Kershaw, Ian ''Hitler, 1936-1945: Nemesis''</ref><ref name="Oakes" />
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===Political Leaders===
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*[[Alexander the Great]] <ref> Thomassen, B. Who was Alexander the Great? Department of International Relations. The American University of Rome. Rome, Italy.</ref>
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*[[Mustafa Kemal Atatürk]] <ref> "Mustafa Kemal Atatürk," [http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761555416/Mustafa_Kemal_Ataturk.html Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2007] http://encarta.msn.com 1997-2007 Microsoft Corporation.</ref>
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*[[Napoleon Bonaparte]] <ref> Kreis, Steven. [http://www.historyguide.org/intellect/lecture15a.html Europe & the Superior Being]. The History Guide: Lectures on Modern European Intellectual History. Retrieved 17 April 2007. </ref>
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*[[Winston Churchill]] <ref> Robert, Andrew. [http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/hitler_churchill_01.shtml Secrets of Leadership: Hitler and Churchill]. BBC News. 26 February 2006.  </ref>
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*[[Mahatma Gandhi]] <ref> Rudolph, Susanne. Ghandi: The Traditional Roots of Charisma. University of Chicago Press; Chicago, 1983. ISBN 0226731367  </ref>
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*[[Che Guevara]] <ref> Canby, Peter. [http://www.nytimes.com/books/97/05/18/reviews/970518.18canbyt.html Poster Boy for the Revolution]. The New York Times. 18 May 1997.  </ref>
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*[[Adolf Hitler]] <ref> Robert, Andrew. [http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/hitler_churchill_01.shtml Secrets of Leadership: Hitler and Churchill]. BBC News. 26 February 2006.  </ref>
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*[[John F. Kennedy]] <ref> Schoenberg, Philip. [http://www.presidentialexpert.com/leadership_john_f_kennedy.html John F. Kennedy on Leadership]. The Presidential Expert. Retrieved 17 April 2007.  </ref>
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*[[Martin Luther King, Jr.]] <ref> Carson, Clayborne. [http://www.stanford.edu/group/King/additional_resources/articles/charisma.htmMartin Luther King Jr.: Charismatic Leadership in a Mass Struggle]. Journal of American History 74, September 1987.  </ref>
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*[[Nelson Mandela]] <ref> Sanford, John. [http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/2002/january30/sampson-130.html Nelson Mandela's Sway]. Stanford Report. 30 January, 2002. </ref>
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*[[Mao Zedong]] <ref> Robinson, J. Mao After Death: Charisma and Political Legitimacy. Asian Survey, Vol. 28, No. 3. March, 1988.  </ref>
  
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*[[John F. Kennedy]]<ref name ="Sutton">Sutton, John,''Law/Society: Origins, Interactions, and Change'' () p.112, Pine Forge Press, ISBN 0-7619-8705-3 </ref><ref>Clecak, P. ''America's Quest for the Ideal Self: Dissent and Fulfillment in the 60s and 70s'', (1985), p.306 ,Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-503544-5</ref>
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===Religious Leaders=== 
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* [[Abraham]] <ref> Hershey H. Friedman, and Mitchell Langbert, Abraham as a Transformational Leader. ''Journal of Leadership Studies'' (2000) </ref>
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* [[Moses]] <ref> Rapoport, D. Moses. Charisma and Covenant. The Western Political Quarterly, Vol. 32, No. 2. June 1979. </ref>
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* [[Elijah]] <ref> Gerald Larue, [http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/gerald_larue/otll/chap16.html Old Testament Life and Literature: Prophecy and the Earliest Prophets]. (1997) Retrieved 17 April 2007. </ref>
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* [[Jesus]] of Nazareth <ref name=walters> B. Walters, [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0SOR/is_3_64/ai_109568893 Charisma, Converts, Competitors]. ''Society of Religion'', (Fall 2003). </ref>
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* [[Saint Paul]] of Tarsus <ref name=walters/>
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* [[Muhammad]] <ref> H. Dabashi, Authority in Islam. ''Contemporary Sociology'', Vol. 20, No. 5. September 1991. </ref>
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* [[Bahá'u'lláh]] <ref> Cole, J. [http://www.h-net.org/~bahai/trans/vol5/son/son.htm Bahá'u'lláh Tablet of the Son]. Translations of Shaykhi, Babi and Baha’I Texts. Vol. 5, No. 2. May 2001. </ref>
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* [[Sun Myung Moon]] <ref> Lewis Rambo, [http://www.springerlink.com/content/r1164n8751x65w48/ Charisma and Conversion]. ''Pastoral Psychology'', Springer Netherlands. Volume 31, Number 2. December 1982. </ref>
  
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*[[Martin Luther King, Jr.]]<ref name="Sutton" /> (also involved in religion) (1929 – 1968)
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===Female Leaders===
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*[[Cleopatra]] <ref>Amy Crawford, [http://www.smithsonianmag.com/issues/2007/april/cleopatra.php?page=2 Who Was Cleopatra?]. Smithsonian.com History. Retrieved 19 April, 2007</ref>
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*[[Kim Il Sung]]
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*[[Diana, Princess of Wales]] <ref>Jenny Kim, [http://www.amherst.edu/~prism/death/kim.html An Enduring Story]. Prism Online. Amhert College. Amherst, Massachusetts. Retrieved April 26, 2007.</ref>
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*[[Joan of Arc]] <ref> Stephen Richey, ''Joan of Arc the Warrior Saint'' (Greenwood Publishing, 2005 ISBN 0275981037).</ref>
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*[[Hồ Chí Minh]]<ref>http://www.allenandunwin.com/shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?ISBN=1865084506 </ref>
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*[[Mother Jones]] <ref>Foner, P. Mother Jones Speaks: Speeches and Writings of a Working-Class Fighter. Pathfinder Press, 1995. ISBN 0873488105</ref>
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*[[Mother Teresa]] <ref> Chawla, Navin. Mother Teresa: The Authorized Biography. Element Books, 1996. ISBN 1852309113 </ref>
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*[[Mao Zedong]]
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*[[Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis]] <ref>Schwalbe, Carol. [http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/summary_0199-4415802_ITM Jacqueline Kennedy & Cold War Propaganda]. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, March 2005. </ref>
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*[[Eleanor Roosevelt]] <ref>Gerber, R. Leadership the Eleanor Roosevelt Way. Portfolio Publishing; New York, 2003. ISBN 9781591840206</ref>
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===In religions and new religious movements=== 
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*[[Harriet Tubman]] <ref>Driggs, M. [http://www.harriettubman.com/callhermoses.html They Called Her Moses]. Harriet Tubman.com Retrieved 19 April, 2007. </ref>
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*[[Oprah Winfrey]] <ref> Guilfoyle, Desmond. The Charisma Effect: How to Captivate an Audience. McGraw Hill Education. 2002. ISBN 007471144X. </ref>
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* [[Abraham]]<ref>Hershey H. Friedman, Ph.D., and Mitchell Langbert, Ph.D., "Abraham as a Transformational Leader", ''Journal of Leadership Studies'', Vol. 7:2, Spring 2000, 88-95.
 
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[http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/economic/friedman/Abraham-GreatTransformLeader.htm]</ref>
 
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* [[Moses]]<ref>Unit for Jewish Education in the CIS, "The Leadership of Moses", Department for Jewish Zionist Education, the Jewish Agency for Israel. [http://www.jafi.org.il/education/festivls/pesach/psruen01.html] Available online.</ref><ref> Chilton, B., Neusner, J. ''Types of Authority in Formative Christianity and Judaism'', () p.73, Routledge (UK). ISBN 0-415-17325-6 <br />"[...] for Judaism, the model of charismatic authority coincided with the model of political authority, namely the person of Moses, ruler and prophet at once"</ref>  
 
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* [[Elijah]]<ref>"Elijah" Jewish Virtual Library, American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise.[http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/Elijah.html] Available online.</ref> (c. 9th century B.C.E.)
 
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* [[Jesus]]<ref>Hengel, Martin & Riche, John, ''The Charismatic Leader and His Followers'', (1996), T&T Clark Publishers, ISBN 0-567-29165-0</ref><ref>Keener, Craig S. ''A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew'',(1999) B. Eerdmans Publishing, ISBN 0-8028-3821-9</ref><ref>Malina, Bruce J. ''The Social World of Jesus and the Gospels'', (1997). p.130, Routledge (United Kingdom), ISBN 0-415-14629-1</ref> (c. 2 B.C.E. - c. 31 C.E.)
 
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* [[Saint Paul|Paul]], originally Saul of Tarsus<ref>Richard Ascogh and Sandy CottonNovalis, ''Passionate Visionary'', [http://globeandmail.workopolis.com/servlet/Content/fasttrack/20050525/CABOOKS25?section=ManagingBooks]</ref> (c. 10 - c. 67)
 
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* [[Muhammad]] {{Fact|date=March 2007}} (570 - 632)
 
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* [[Martin Luther]]<ref>"Martin Luther", Encyclopedia Britannica, [http://www.britannica.com/eb/topic-351950/Martin-Luther]</ref> (1483 – 1546)
 
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* [[Joseph Smith, Jr.|Joseph Smith]]<ref name="CESNUR"> ''Unrecognized charisma? A study and comparison of four charismatic leaders: Charles Taze Russell, Joseph Smith, L Ron Hubbard, Swami Prabhupada.'' by [[George D. Chryssides]] Paper presented at the 2001 International Conference The Spiritual Supermarket: Religious Pluralism in the 21st Century, organised by INFORM and [[CESNUR]] (London, April 19-22, 2001) ([http://www.cesnur.org/2001/london2001/chryssides.htm] Available online])</ref> <ref name="Robbins">Robbins, Thomas[http://hirr.hartsem.edu/ency/charisma.htm  ''Charisma''] in the ''Encyclopedia of Religion and Society'' edited by William H. Swatos (February 1998) ISBN 0-7619-8956-0</ref> (1805 – 1844)
 
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* [[Bahá'u'lláh]], originally Hossein Ali Nouri <ref>Iranian Personalities: Bahá'u'lláh. Iran Chamber Society, 2001. "Because of the prominence of his family, and his own charismatic personality, Bahá'u'lláh's first teaching efforts yielded some new believers..." [http://www.iranchamber.com/personalities/bahaullah/bahaullah.php]</ref> (1817 - 1892)
 
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* [[Charles Taze Russell]]<ref name="CESNUR" /> (1852 – 1916) 
 
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* [[A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada]]<ref name="CESNUR" /> (1896 – 1977)
 
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* [[L. Ron Hubbard]]<ref name="CESNUR" />(1911 – 1986)
 
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* [[Billy Graham]]<ref>Judith Smart, "The Evangelist as Star: The Billy Graham Crusade in Australia, 1959", The Journal of Popular Culture 33. [http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.0022-3840.1999.3301_165.x?cookieSet=1&journalCode=jpcu]</ref> (1918 - )
 
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* [[Sun Myung Moon]]<ref>[[David G. Bromley|Bromley, David G.]] and [[Anson Shupe|Anson D. Shupe]] ''Moonies in America. Cult, Church and - Crusade'' Beverly Hills, Sage (1979) page 110 "a living, awe - inspiring leader who is the medium of ongoing supernatural revelation" </ref><ref name="Robbins" /> (1920 - )
 
−
 
 
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* [[John Paul II]]<ref>"With Charisma and Knack for Travel, Pontiff Mixed Political Activism With Religion", ABC News, April 3, 2005. [http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Pope/story?id=636567&page=1]</ref> (1920 – 2005)
 
−
 
 
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* [[Jim Jones]]<ref>McCormick Maaga, Mary ''Hearing the voices of Jonestown'', 1998 [[Syracuse University]] press, ISBN 0-8156-0515-3 chapter ''Deconstructing Jonestown'' page 18 "The basis of my argument about the women in leadership, particularly Carolyn Layton, is that love for the male charismatic leader grew out of love for the movement", chapter ''Restoration of Women's power in [[Peoples Temple]]'' page 71 "Jones' management style flowed from and supported his "charisma". " (McCormick Maaga also wrote that white inner-circle female members held considerable power in [[Jonestown]]) see also pages 69-71</ref><ref name="Robbins" /> (1931 – 1978)
 
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* [[Rajneesh]], also called Bhagwan and Osho.<ref name="Robbins" /> <ref name=Schnabel">Schnabel, Paul Dr. (Dutch language) ''Between stigma and charisma: new religious movements and mental health'' [[Erasmus university]] Rotterdam, Faculty of Medicine, Ph.D. thesis, ISBN 90-6001-746-3 (Deventer, Van Loghum Slaterus, 1982) p. 99.</ref> (1931 – 1990)
 
−
 
 
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* [[Prem Rawat]], known to his students as Maharaji.<ref name="Schnabel"><ref>Dupertuis, Lucy. ''How People Recognize Charisma: The Case of Darshan in Radhasoami and Divine Light Mission'', Sociological Analysis 47 (1986) pp.111-24</ref><ref>McGuire, Meredith B. "Religion: the Social Context" fifth edition (2002) ISBN 0-534-54126-7 Chapter. 5 "The dynamics of religious collectivities", section “How Religious Collectivities Develop and Change’’, sub-section "Organizational Transformations" page 175 (Thomas Pilarzyk ‘’The origin, development, and decline of a youth culture religion: An application of the sectarianization theory’’ in Review of Religious Research 20, 1:33-37, 1978)”</ref> (1957 - )
 
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
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==References==
 
==References==
  
 +
*Barker, Eileen. 1990. ''New Religious Movements: A Practical Introduction''. Bernan Press. ISBN 0113409273
 +
*Chryssides, George D. 2001. [http://www.cesnur.org/2001/london2001/chryssides.htm ''Unrecognized Charisma? A Study and Comparison of Four Charismatic Leaders'']. presented at the 2001 International Conference: The Spiritual Supermarket: Religious Pluralism in the 21st Century. London, England.
 +
*Geoghegan, Tom. 2005. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4579681.stm ''A Step By Step Guide to Charisma'']. BBC News.
 +
*Kendall, D., J. Murray & R. Linden. 2000. ''Sociology in Our Time''. Wadsworth Publishing; Scarborough, Ont. ISBN 0495096563
  
−
*Knott, Kim Dr. ''South Asian Religions in Britain'' page 766, Table 22.1 in the ''Handbook of Living Religions'' edited by John R. Hinnels (1997), second edition, ISBN 0-14-051480-5
+
==External Links==
 +
All links retrieved December 3, 2023.
 +
*[http://hirr.hartsem.edu/ency/charisma.htm Charisma] ''The Encyclopedia of Religion & Society''  
 +
*[http://atheism.about.com/od/religiousauthority/a/types_2.htm Charismatic Authority: Emotional Bonds Between Leaders and Followers]
 +
*[http://www.frugalmarketing.com/dtb/charisma.shtml Why Charisma Matters] Tony Alessandra.  
  
  
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==External Links==
 
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*[http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20050502-000001.html The X-Factors of Success] Psychology Today
 
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*[http://whyfiles.org/205charisma/ The Character of Charisma] Whyfiles.org
 
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*[http://www.frugalmarketing.com/dtb/charisma.shtml Why Charisma Matters] Tony Alessandra, Ph.D.
 
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*[http://www.vocalist.org.uk/charisma.html Charisma] Vocalist.org
 
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*[http://hirr.hartsem.edu/ency/charisma.htm Charisma] The Encyclopedia of Religion & Society
 
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*[http://atheism.about.com/od/religiousauthority/a/types_2.htm Charismatic Authority: Emotional Bonds Between Leaders and Followers]
 
  
 
{{Credits|Charisma|71513894|Charismatic_authority|76642132|List_of_charismatic_leaders_as_defined_by_Max_Weber's_classification_of_authority|119449063|}}
 
{{Credits|Charisma|71513894|Charismatic_authority|76642132|List_of_charismatic_leaders_as_defined_by_Max_Weber's_classification_of_authority|119449063|}}

Latest revision as of 01:46, 4 December 2023


The term charisma originates from the Greek word χάρισμα meaning "gift" or "divine favor" and most often refers to a rare trait found in certain human personalities which can include extreme charm, a "magnetic" quality of personality and/or appearance, and an innate and powerfully sophisticated personal ability to communicate and persuade. It refers especially to a quality in certain people, both women and men, who easily draw the attention and admiration, or in negative cases hatred, of others due to an alluring quality of personality.

Charismatic leaders are those whose charismatic qualities inspires others to follow them. Whether such leadership has beneficial results or not depends on other aspects of the leader, namely whether their motivation is self-centered or for the good of all, whether they have the ability to develop effective strategies to accomplish their goals, and whether the content of their message and goals enhances or reduces the quality of life of members of the society.

Characteristics

Jesus is considered by many to be an example of a charismatic authority.

Charismatic individuals generally project unusual confidence, serenity, assertiveness, authenticity, and focus, along with superb communication skills. Other similar terms or phrases related to charisma can include: grace, exuberance, equanimity, mystique, positive energy, "right stuff," joie de vivre, charm, personal magnetism, personal appeal, "electricity," and allure. Many of these qualities must be present within an individual in order for the person to be considered "charismatic" by the public and their peers.

To the early Greeks, charisma was said to be a "gift of grace," implying that this "divine quality" was an inborn trait. Today, many believe charisma can be taught or even learned, despite a persistent inability to accurately define or even fully understand the complex term. In many individuals, the use of charisma can lead to the development of a charismatic authority which may allow the individual to influence and lead others.

The study, recognition, and development of charisma in individuals is of particular interest to sociologists, psychologists, popular politicians, public speakers, and entertainers. In recent years the study of charisma has also reached areas of the business community and other areas involving leadership studies or leadership development.

Charisma has also been defined as a "set of behaviors or traits"; for example, a modern psychological approach posits that charisma is basically aggregative, a conglomeration of distinct personality traits that meld well in certain individuals to form the broad quality known as charisma. Theatrically, charisma is prevalent on-stage and in films, and can be encapsulated in verbal and non-verbal communication.

Charismatic Authority

Charismatic authority is defined as the "power legitimized on the basis of a leader's exceptional personal qualities or the demonstration of extraordinary insight and accomplishment, which inspire loyalty and obedience from followers." [1]. As such, it rests almost entirely on the leader; the absence of that leader for any reason can lead to the authority's power dissolving. However, due to its idiosyncratic nature and lack of formal organization, charismatic authority depends strongly on the perceived legitimacy of the authority figure. For instance, a charismatic leader in a religious context might promote an unchallenged belief that he or she has been touched by God, in the sense of a guru or prophet. Should the strength of this belief fade, the power of the charismatic leader may also fade, which is one of the ways in which this form of authority shows itself to be unstable.

In contrast to the popular use of the term, "charismatic leader," German sociologist Max Weber saw charismatic authority not so much attributed to the character traits of the charismatic leader but as developing out of a relationship between the leader and followers. Weber believed the validity of charisma to be founded on its recognition by certain followers. He believed this recognition to be based not on the grounds of legitimacy, but on a sense of duty belonging to certain followers who believe they are especially chosen to recognize and confirm the exceptional qualities of their leader.

According to Weber, a charismatic leader is not solely of a positive force. Many sociologists argue that both Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler could exemplify the characteristics of charismatic leaders. Furthermore, society often remains neutral towards both positive and negative forms of charismatic domination. French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu supported many of Weber’s claims, and further stressed a leader to have charisma only if other people "accept" that he or she may have it. Bourdieu argued that charisma usually depends on an "inaugural act," such as a decisive battle or moving speech after which the person will be regarded as a charismatic leader.

Routinization

Charismatic authority almost always evolves in the context of traditional authority which provides comparative forms and boundaries. However, by its nature, charismatic authority tends to challenge conventionally accepted forms of authority and is therefore often considered revolutionary. This constant challenge that charismatic authority presents to older forms of authority must eventually subside or be incorporated into a society through the process of routinization.

Routinization is the process by which charismatic authority is replaced by a rationally established authority. Such routinization can be seen in the example of the prophet Muhammad, who maintained charismatic authority among his followers, although he was eventually succeeded by the traditional authority and structure of Islam.

Politically, charismatic rule can be found in various authoritarian states, autocracies, dictatorships, and theocracies. In many circumstances when the leader of such a state dies or leaves office and a new charismatic leader does not appear, such a regime is more likely to fall. As in the example of Islam, a religion which evolves its own priesthood and establishes a set of laws and rules is most likely to lose its charismatic character and eventually move toward a second type of authority upon the removal of that leader.

The Study of Charismatic Leadership

The study of charismatic leadership has been undertaken by many professional scholars throughout history. In particular, the relationship between charismatic leadership and the onset of new religious movements has been closely monitored by scholars of a sociological, psychological, and religious background. Some historical patterns have emerged.

According to psychologist Richard Wiseman,[2] a charismatic person has three attributes:

  1. they feel emotions themselves quite strongly;
  2. they induce them in others;
  3. and they are impervious to the influences of other charismatic people.

In regards to religious charisma, George D. Chryssides has asserted that not all new religious movements have charismatic leaders, and that there are differences in the hegemonic styles among those movements that do. However Eileen Barker has claimed that in many new religious movements there is often employed a founder or leader who wields charismatic authority and is believed to have some special powers or knowledge. Barker asserts that almost by definition, charismatic leaders are unpredictable, for they are not bound to tradition or rules. In many circumstances, Barker asserts a warning when a leader who lacks accountability requires from their following an unquestioned obedience, and subsequently encourages a growing dependency upon the movement for all material, spiritual, and social resources.

Australian psychologist Len Oakes, who authored a dissertation regarding prophetic charisma, invited eleven charismatic leaders to complete a psychometric test, which he labeled the "adjective checklist." Though Oakes found the group “quite ordinary,” the findings of his study led him to argue that the majority of charismatic leaders exhibit traits of narcissism, display an extraordinary amount of energy, and an inner clarity unhindered by the anxieties and guilt that afflict most people.

Charismatic Leaders

The following is a small sample of people whose leadership has been characterized, according to listed sources, as based on charismatic authority according to the sociological concept defined by Max Weber as "resting on devotion to the exceptional sanctity, heroism or exemplary character of an individual person, and of the normative patterns or order revealed or ordained by him.[3]"

Political Leaders

Religious Leaders

Female Leaders

Notes

  1. ↑ D. Kendall, J. Murray, and R. Linden, Sociology in Our Time. (Wadsworth Publishing; Scarborough, Ont. 2000. ISBN 0495096563)
  2. ↑ Charisma: a step-by-step guide BBC News. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
  3. ↑ Max Weber, Legitimation, Method, and the Politics of Theory. (Sheldon S. Wolin. Political Theory, Vol. 9. 1981)
  4. ↑ Thomassen, B. Who was Alexander the Great? Department of International Relations. The American University of Rome. Rome, Italy.
  5. ↑ "Mustafa Kemal Atatürk," Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2007 http://encarta.msn.com 1997-2007 Microsoft Corporation.
  6. ↑ Kreis, Steven. Europe & the Superior Being. The History Guide: Lectures on Modern European Intellectual History. Retrieved 17 April 2007.
  7. ↑ Robert, Andrew. Secrets of Leadership: Hitler and Churchill. BBC News. 26 February 2006.
  8. ↑ Rudolph, Susanne. Ghandi: The Traditional Roots of Charisma. University of Chicago Press; Chicago, 1983. ISBN 0226731367
  9. ↑ Canby, Peter. Poster Boy for the Revolution. The New York Times. 18 May 1997.
  10. ↑ Robert, Andrew. Secrets of Leadership: Hitler and Churchill. BBC News. 26 February 2006.
  11. ↑ Schoenberg, Philip. John F. Kennedy on Leadership. The Presidential Expert. Retrieved 17 April 2007.
  12. ↑ Carson, Clayborne. Luther King Jr.: Charismatic Leadership in a Mass Struggle. Journal of American History 74, September 1987.
  13. ↑ Sanford, John. Nelson Mandela's Sway. Stanford Report. 30 January, 2002.
  14. ↑ Robinson, J. Mao After Death: Charisma and Political Legitimacy. Asian Survey, Vol. 28, No. 3. March, 1988.
  15. ↑ Hershey H. Friedman, and Mitchell Langbert, Abraham as a Transformational Leader. Journal of Leadership Studies (2000)
  16. ↑ Rapoport, D. Moses. Charisma and Covenant. The Western Political Quarterly, Vol. 32, No. 2. June 1979.
  17. ↑ Gerald Larue, Old Testament Life and Literature: Prophecy and the Earliest Prophets. (1997) Retrieved 17 April 2007.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 B. Walters, Charisma, Converts, Competitors. Society of Religion, (Fall 2003).
  19. ↑ H. Dabashi, Authority in Islam. Contemporary Sociology, Vol. 20, No. 5. September 1991.
  20. ↑ Cole, J. Bahá'u'lláh Tablet of the Son. Translations of Shaykhi, Babi and Baha’I Texts. Vol. 5, No. 2. May 2001.
  21. ↑ Lewis Rambo, Charisma and Conversion. Pastoral Psychology, Springer Netherlands. Volume 31, Number 2. December 1982.
  22. ↑ Amy Crawford, Who Was Cleopatra?. Smithsonian.com History. Retrieved 19 April, 2007
  23. ↑ Jenny Kim, An Enduring Story. Prism Online. Amhert College. Amherst, Massachusetts. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
  24. ↑ Stephen Richey, Joan of Arc the Warrior Saint (Greenwood Publishing, 2005 ISBN 0275981037).
  25. ↑ Foner, P. Mother Jones Speaks: Speeches and Writings of a Working-Class Fighter. Pathfinder Press, 1995. ISBN 0873488105
  26. ↑ Chawla, Navin. Mother Teresa: The Authorized Biography. Element Books, 1996. ISBN 1852309113
  27. ↑ Schwalbe, Carol. Jacqueline Kennedy & Cold War Propaganda. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, March 2005.
  28. ↑ Gerber, R. Leadership the Eleanor Roosevelt Way. Portfolio Publishing; New York, 2003. ISBN 9781591840206
  29. ↑ Driggs, M. They Called Her Moses. Harriet Tubman.com Retrieved 19 April, 2007.
  30. ↑ Guilfoyle, Desmond. The Charisma Effect: How to Captivate an Audience. McGraw Hill Education. 2002. ISBN 007471144X.

References
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External Links

All links retrieved December 3, 2023.


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