...Charisma Gone Wild: It’s Not Always an Asset Jaime Paxton Southeastern Oklahoma State University Abstract This paper serves to inform that charisma is not always positive. There is an extreme difference in charisma used ethically and charisma used unethically. Ethical charisma is used to serve the followers while unethical charisma is used to help benefit the leader themselves. This paper looks at multiple extreme examples of leaders using charisma in unethical ways, as well as one example of a charismatic leader blinding people to reality with the help of the media. It will also discuss the ways charisma is used in business, both ethically and unethically, as well as provide examples of times when charisma is appropriate. Introduction “Charisma is a fire, a fire that ignites followers’ energy and commitment, producing results above and beyond the call of duty.” (Klein & House, 1995, p. 183) Charisma is not always an asset and is frequently used in negative ways. Two people that immediately come to mind include Adolph Hitler and Osama Bin Laden. These are two of the most charismatic leaders to have ever lived, and although they had many followers, it is safe to say that neither of these two are viewed as positive leaders. These are just two extreme examples of leaders using charisma for personal gains. Charismatic Disasters Adolph Hitler Hitler gained a large support group through the use of Charisma at his mass rallies. He would incite such an...
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