Howell & Shamir: The Role of Followers in the charismatic leadership process: relationships and their consequences Flashcards
What is this article about?
explores how followers, rather than just leaders, shape charismatic leadership relationships. It distinguishes between personalized and socialized charismatic relationships, based on how followers’ self-concepts influence their connection to the leader. The study argues that followers play an active role in leadership by empowering leaders, influencing their behaviors, and determining the outcomes—both positive and negative—of charismatic leadership.
What method did they use?
The article is theoretical and does not use empirical research methods such as experiments or surveys. Instead, the authors develop a conceptual framework based on a review of existing leadership theories and prior research.
Their method involves:
1. Distinguishing between two types of charismatic relationships – Personalized (follower dependence on the leader) and Socialized (follower identification with the group).
2. Proposing a set of theoretical propositions – They suggest how followers’ self-concepts, leadership perceptions, and empowerment behaviors shape the charismatic leadership process.
3. Synthesizing previous research – They integrate ideas from social identity theory, leader-member exchange (LMX) theory, and charismatic leadership models to argue that followers are active participants in leadership dynamics.
Since this is a conceptual analysis, their conclusions are not based on new empirical data but rather on logical reasoning and synthesis of existing studies.
So what is the conclusion?
Followers Actively Shape Charismatic Leadership
Leadership is not just about the leader’s traits and behaviors; followers play a crucial role in constructing, reinforcing, or resisting charismatic leadership.
Two Types of Charismatic Relationships: Personalized charismatic relationships: Followers see the leader as a personal source of direction, become dependent, and may show blind obedience.
Socialized charismatic relationships: Followers see the leader as a representative of collective values, maintain independent judgment, and are less dependent.
Followers Influence Leaders Through Empowerment: Followers empower leaders by showing support, admiration, and compliance, which reinforces the leader’s confidence and behavior.
However, blind adoration can lead to abuse of power, while critical, engaged followership can keep leaders accountable.
The Dark Side of Charisma Is Partly Due to Followers: When followers idealize leaders and unquestioningly obey them, they contribute to the risks of authoritarian leadership.
Conversely, when followers engage critically, they help maintain ethical and accountable leadership.
