Correlates of Charismatic Leader Behavior in Military Units: Subordinates' Attitudes, Unit Characteristics, And Superiors' Appraisals of Leader Performance

Abstract

We tested several hypotheses derived from an extended version of theory of charismatic leadership. We used three different samples of subordinates to assess leader behavior, individual-level correlates, and unit-level correlates, respectively. We also examined the effects of charismatic behaviors and unit-level correlates on superiors' assessments of leaders' performance. The findings provide only very partial support for the theory and indicate a need for greater sensitivity to the multiple constituencies of leaders in theories and studies of charismatic leadership in organizations.