Phases of Leader-Follower Relations in Charismatic Leadership: Bliss, Trials and Juncture

Abstract

This study aims to contribute to clarifying a dilemma in the perspective of signaling concerning the paradoxical role of charismatic leadership as an evolutionary tool to enhance chances of group survival. A challenge to the evolutionary perspective involves charismatic leaderships that resulted in their groups’ deterioration, rather than their development. We provide a theoretical, three-phase, motivational model of leader-follower relations to outline how an initial charismatic elevation may remain on a constructive track or turn into destructive outcomes. Our model centers on the idea that charismatic elevation is a desirable but provisional experience, which, we argue, triggers collective motives that underly destructive and constructive outcomes. Phase 1, charismatic bliss, refers to an ephemeral, emotionally elevated, euphoric leader-follower relationship including a strong bond, admiration, identification, and trust in the pursuit of achieving a collective aim. Phase 2, trials, following goal attainment, stands for events that signal de-escalation in charismatic elevation, which the group may perceive as a threat or opportunity. Phase 3, juncture, qualifies leader and follower motives in response to closure of charismatic bliss as (a) leaderthink, embedded in destructive charismatic leadership, an egoistic, collective threat response, in which the motive to maintain collective elevation overrides critical judgement of the leader. In leaderthink, the group preserves elevation by engaging in destructive behavior, such as expelling a critical minority, initiating us versus them thinking, and participating in excessive self-sacrifice. Or (b), constructivethink, a collective, prosocial response, in which the leader and the followers assent closure of charismatic bliss and are motivated to constructively respond to trial events as opportunity to foster individual and collective growth. ? Key words: constructive charismatic leadership; destructive charismatic leadership; charismatic bliss; leaderthink; constructivethink