At the Helm, Kirk or Spock? The Pros and Cons of Charismatic Leadership

B-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Microeconomics
Year: 2023
Volume: 15
Issue: 2
Pages: 465-92

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Charismatic leaders are often desired. At the same time, experience, especially with demagogues, as well as social science studies, raise doubts about such leaders. This paper offers explanations for charismatic leadership's "mixed report card." It offers insights into why and when charismatic leadership can be effective; which, when, and why certain groups will prefer more to less charismatic leaders; and how being more charismatic can make leaders worse in other dimensions, particularly causing them to work less hard on their followers' behalf.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejmic:v:15:y:2023:i:2:p:465-92
Journal Field
General
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-02-02