A follower-centric perspective on charismatic leadership: An integrative review and agenda for future research

Aï Ito (1, 2) , Jennifer A Harrison (3) , Michelle C Bligh (4) , Christine Roland-Levy (1, 2)

1 C2S - Cognition, Santé, Société
2 URCA - Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne
3 EM Normandie - École de Management de Normandie
4 Claremont Graduate University [Claremont, CA ]

Meindl (1993) highlighted the importance of "balancing" the leadership equation by placing equivalent weight on followers' perspectives. Building upon his legacy, we review research on "follower-centric perspectives" to deepen our understanding of the charismatic leadership relationship. We define charisma as a relational phenomenon, which develops first in the eyes of followers and subsequently spreads through inter-follower dynamics. Adopting Doise's multilevel framework (i.e. intrapersonal, relational/situational, intergroup, and ideological) highlights different plausible views of leader-follower interactions and helps to clarify when and how charisma is more likely to emerge in the eyes of followers. We conclude with recommendations for future research.

Mots clés: Charismatic leadership; followership; follower-centric perspectives; romance of leadership; multiple levels-of-analysis framework

Domaines: Psychologie; Gestion et management

Aï Ito, Jennifer A Harrison, Michelle C Bligh, Christine Roland-Levy. A follower-centric perspective on charismatic leadership: An integrative review and agenda for future research. Routledge International Handbook of Charisma, 2020. ⟨hal-03086811⟩