Leaders who, through their personal vision and energy, inspire followers and have a major impact on their organizations are also called charismatic leaders. They have a very high level of referent power. (Power these leaders get because others to refer them or follow their approach.

Charismatic leaders have very high levels of referent power and that some of that power comes from their need to influence others. The charismatic leader has “extremely high levels of self confidence, and conviction. Charismatic leader communicate a vision or higher level goal that captures the commitment and energy of followers. They are careful to create an image of success and competence and to exemplify in their own behavior the values they believe in. They also communicate high expectations for followers and confidence that followers perform up to those expectations.

Transformational leaders and their followers pursue a vision. The deeds of Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King are examples, we are well aware that the ability to inspire great commitment, sacrifice, and energy is no guarantee that the cause or vision is a worthwhile one. Adolf Hitler was also known for his charisma - and for the tragedies his leadership brought to his followers and others. Transformational leaders find meaning and excitement in their work lives, but they can pose great dangers if their goals and values are opposed to the basic tenets of civilized society.

Transactional leaders are leaders who determine what subordinates need to do to achieve objectives, and help subordinates become confident that they can reach their objectives, these leaders are objective oriented.

The example of Hitler has led some people to suggest that we question all leaders’ motives. To understand why some people become leaders, some argue, we need to take a psychoanalytic view. This view, originated by Sigmund Freud, holds that much of human behavior is shaped by unconscious efforts to satisfy unfulfilled needs and drives.

A second challenge to traditional theories of leadership focuses on the followers - the people who look to leaders for guidance. In this view, followers have developed romanticized, or idealized, views of what leaders do, what they can accomplish and how they can affect followers’ lives. These romantic views have evolved because we turn to leaders to simplify our lives.

Words and expressions

Power sources

Reward power

Coercive power

Legitimate power

Referent power

Expert power

Position power

Least Preferred Co-worker (LPC)

Home assignment

Read the text. Give your understanding of the relationship between Leadership and Management.

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