Who wants to play “Follow the leader?” A theory of charismatic relationships based on routinized charisma and follower characteristics

Abstract

This paper outlines a theory of charismatic relationships based on the individual orientation of the follower and extent of charismatic message routinization. A model is proposed that addresses three different types of charismatic relationships-socialized, personalized, and social contagion-and describes the role of follower's self-monitoring, self-concept clarity, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Seven propositions based on these perspectives are presented, and the paper concludes with an outline of the model in an organizational context and possible research strategies to test the validity of the theory.