Extending the Concept of Charismatic Leadership: An Illustration Using Bass’s (1990) Categories

Abstract Using five categories summarized by Bass (1990), this chapter attempts to address three key questions about charismatic leadership: (1)What are the key behavioral dimensions of charismatic leadership? (2)How does charismatic leadership differ from other forms of leadership? (3)Who may become followers of charismatic leaders and when do they become followers? By focusing on Weber’s original view of charisma, we suggest that his three dimensions of charismatic leader behaviors underlie most contemporary approaches. By considering these three dimensions in more detail, we demonstrate how this view allows for different views of leadership and is distinguishable from management. Finally, by extending Weber’s view and by identifying two types of charismatic leaders who differ in their power motives, we suggest how the characteristics of followers and the context influence followers’ acceptance of charismatic leaders as legitimate. Some implications for leadership effectiveness are discussed.