Charismatic leader: definition, characteristic. Who can be called a charismatic leader? The concept of "charismatic leader" introduced into sociology who? The charismatic leader is ...

A charismatic leader is a person who enjoys a certain authority in the eyes of others. His rule is supported by the masses not through intimidation, but on the basis of personal convictions, confidence in "God's chosen".

More details on what "charismatic leader" means (definition, phenomenon, how much more is manifested) will be described in this article.

The concept of charisma

From the very beginning of the existence of mankind, there were leaders in society who could not only point the way, but also lead them. Even during periods of severe deprivation, their followers did not hesitate for a moment, and endlessly believed their leader, the emperor or the king.

This phenomenon has received the name "charisma", and the person possessing such qualities began to name the charismatic leader. The very word in translation means "the gift of God," and indeed, this phenomenon is considered by many researchers to be a collection of supernatural, or at least superhuman abilities. Initially, this term was applied only to rulers or military leaders, but since the middle of the last century, almost every person who stands out from the general mass began to be called, and often not personal qualities, but success, appearance or self-promotion. About what the charismatic leader means, this article will be discussed.

The concept of "charismatic leader" in sociology

The concept of "charismatic leader" was introduced into sociology by the German professor of theology and culture Ernst Troelch. Later this term was developed by the German sociologist Max Weber, who formulated a classical definition for him and gave impetus to a comprehensive study of this phenomenon. Some modern researchers propose to give this definition a much narrower concept in order to exclude from the general series such categorically different personalities as, for example, the prophet Moses and Hitler, Gandhi and Genghis Khan.

From the point of view of the Weberian concept, the phenomenon of charisma can not be good or evil, virtuous or immoral. This does not mean, however, that the qualities and activities of such a leader can not be assessed by universal criteria. Thus, many scientists, to remove the uncertainty, use a different definition, which more clearly allows us to clarify the concept of "charismatic leader." He introduced the precise term George Barnes into sociology, who believes that in most cases it is more appropriate to use the concept of "heroic leader" in relation to outstanding personalities.

Charismatic leaders in the history of mankind

History has preserved for us many examples of those who can be called a charismatic leader. First of all, these are the famous generals and rulers: Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Napoleon. In the twentieth century, such figures are known much more, and today almost every leader of a successful firm or social movement pretends to play this role. The study of this phenomenon is accompanied by certain difficulties. Of course, this is because science needs an "ideal" definition of a particular concept, but there is no way to idealize and even systematize the personalities directly. The charismatic leader is such an extraordinary figure that in fact to get an unambiguous answer to the question of whether this or that leader was one is almost impossible. In addition, such a person always appears in crisis conditions, and it is at the crucial moment of events, and it is not always possible to understand exactly - positively or negatively his appearance determined their current.

Vladimir Ilyich Lenin

Who can be called a charismatic leader in Soviet history? A typical example of such a leader can be called VI Lenin, the leader of the Bolshevik Party, the ruler and leader of the socialist revolution in Russia. Indeed, according to contemporaries and party members, Lenin among political figures stood out because he was the only one who was believed and followed him without any reservations. In addition, Lenin - a charismatic leader, really had the ability to explain complex economic as well as ideological issues to the vast uneducated masses. He was listened to with fascination, holding his breath, but it should be remembered that this was the beginning of the twentieth century, and there was simply no serious technical means other than his own voice.

Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin

Joseph Stalin is a charismatic leader, the father of the people, the creator of the most unusual and almost fantastic state of all, ever known. The evaluation of Stalin's personality is almost always ambiguous, and often biased. Undoubtedly, this ruler had a unique ability to destroy his enemies, who were often enemies of the state. Most of his charisma and deification among the fans, of course, are not purely leadership qualities (although he possessed them in full) - but a sense of fear that he could inconceivably and can inspire even today.

Many researchers are not inclined to consider Stalin as a pure charismatic leader, although it must be admitted that his followers and fans were ready for their leader to sacrifice himself in the most direct sense of the word. Simple soldiers were attacked with his name, which in itself is a rare occurrence. Usually followers in these cases were satisfied with the idea (for example, freedom) or with a specific concept of the Motherland, their own country.

Charles de Gaulle

An example of a natural leader is Charles de Gaulle, whose activities still have a significant impact on European political life. The President himself repeatedly turned to the notion of charisma and was an adherent of the idea that a strong human personality has a much greater impact on the course of history than is generally believed. Moreover, the president, who, after two cruel world wars, managed to lead France to prosperity and to the role of one of the world's leading powers, believed that popular love is supported by a certain "miracle effect", a constant success in everything, which shows that this person is " The legitimate son of heaven. " As soon as this divine gift disappears, it ceases to be reinforced by deed - the faith of followers also disappears.

Moreover, the charismatic leader de Gaulle in his book "On the Edge of the Sword" repeatedly emphasizes that even the nomination of a national leader in crisis situations is not at all based on the choice among available political figures. The people's leader appears, as if at the behest of a "mighty wave", and the general completely denied historical fatalism, calling it an idea for cowards.

Adolf Gitler

Undoubtedly, Adolf Hitler is by right the most striking example of the charismatic personality of the twentieth century. Germany for many centuries, like a Phoenix bird - it burned in a series of endless wars in the center of Europe, it once again rebelled, often more powerful than it was before. The Führer managed to give his people a truly mystical idea. Hitler is a charismatic leader who managed to convince the overwhelming majority of not only followers but also ordinary citizens that they, the Aryans, are a race superior to everyone else. This idea has managed to rally so much German society that for a while it posed a threat to humanity in fact on a planetary scale.

It is now customary to portray Hitler as a kind of clot of dark energy, which in an absolutely fantastic way managed to bring his ideas to the masses of people, and inclined them to mass madness almost hypnotized. However, it is not. Many contemporaries characterize the German Fuhrer, how far "not an ordinary person". In addition, it is necessary to understand that it was supported not just by middle-class or poor people - but also enlightened, as well as rich sections of society, not only in Germany. Could they go after the madman? Probably not. Of course, Hitler used all conceivable and unimaginable opportunities to create his energy. For example, he positioned himself as a simple brave soldier of the First World War, and more than once proved it in practice. He studied to speak with the best actors of his time. I was constantly looking for ways of rapprochement with my own people, wanting to know the thoughts and moods of not just society, but literally everyone. Coupled with Hitler's fanatical conviction in his own right, this gave such an effect that many fans of the Fuhrer never doubted either himself or his ideas or intentions.

Factors of the phenomenon

The study of the phenomenon of the emergence of this type of personality is a question that actually stands at the forefront of studying the influence of an individual on the historical process. However, despite a huge amount of research, for the scientists themselves, the very phenomenon of the charismatic leader has become a "stumbling block". Scientists, political scientists and sociologists admit that the mechanism of its origin is not fully understood. Undoubtedly, both innate and acquired human skills play a role here, but it is often impossible to understand what kind of a set of qualities really creates him the necessary energy. Moreover, scientific research is often aimed not at studying the individual, but is more biased towards considering some or other, positive or negative actions and circumstances of the emergence of such a leader. In general, there are three factors that make a charismatic leader appear.

1. The crisis. It can be political, economic, social crises, military failures and so on, in all their manifestations and intertwining. The onset of the decline of the state is a serious test for society. People can react in many ways. For example, they may experience an increase in horror before the physical destruction of the society, they may feel fear of losing their group or class affiliation, or simply feel an imaginary pain with the loss of ordinary life values and rituals. Naturally, in such conditions a person is inclined to trust and follow someone who knows exactly what to do - for a leader who already has numerous supporters, and who has repeatedly proved his charisma and God's chosenness.

2. The second serious factor that predetermines the emergence of a charismatic leader is cultural and social legitimization, where most of the society recognizes the legitimacy of the often unofficial leader.

3. The third factor is political assistance not only among the masses of the population, but also among parties, their leaders, as well as representatives of official state bodies.

Now the fourth factor is gaining in strength, which was previously neglected if paid attention. This is the support of the charismatic leader in the media. It can be said that for the last 100 years the mass media played a huge role in the formation of all political leaders , and in today's realities the power of supporting one or another person in the information field is paramount.

Characteristics of the charismatic leader

Leaders of this type often need a whole set of characteristics. The most basic of them:

1. Awareness and advancement of its exceptional role and mission, aimed at radical transformation, in the name of changing or saving society. This usually requires a prediction of the development of events, and, often, a plan or a program of reforms.
2. Personal attraction, which does not necessarily mean having an attractive appearance. Often, on the contrary, a charismatic leader is a person from the masses, like a philistine, while he may have a certain flaw. However, no doubt that such a leader simply must have a certain brutality - without this quality it is impossible to become a hero. Such women leaders as Jeanne Dark or Margaret Thatcher, in the eyes and memories of contemporaries were more courageous than most men of their time.
3. The sacrifice and struggle of the most charismatic leader usually comes first. Ability to self-sacrifice and victory in constant struggle with circumstances and adversaries is an important factor for followers and followers.
4. Identity of goals. According to many researchers, the most recognized leader is the one who managed to inspire that his goals most fully coincide with the demands of society.
5. The presence of a powerful enemy. Despite the fact that the leader always stands for unity, an important part in his deeds is searching, identifying and fighting the enemy. Sometimes - extremely dangerous, and sometimes even not existing in reality, or as an enemy can act even abstract concepts.
6. A huge role is played by the activity of supporters. Often the leader does not even rely on the organization or any institution of government. Sometimes he expects his supporters to take the situation on their own, which is often justified, and followers may be much more radical than their leader.

Charismatic leaders of our time

Modern charismatic leaders in most cases rely not on people's support - more and more often the main factor is the promotion of the person through the information field, that is, through the media. In any attractive way can be a gray and unremarkable personality, sometimes not capable of independent action.

As an example of the modern "television" leader in Russia, you can bring Vladimir Zhirinovsky. He actually can not influence any political decision, he does not have sincere, fanatical admirers capable of going with him to his death. However, Zhirinovsky, due to his excellent acting qualities, has a certain energy of the leader.

The second undoubted charismatic leader is the incumbent president of Russia, Vladimir Putin. Despite the existence of problems in the economic and political life of the state, its actions are mostly supported by the masses. Putin, in fact, does not have a full set of qualities characteristic of this type. For example, he does not possess oratory. Despite the absence of characteristic signs of the national leader, this person continues to remain popular among the population of the country.

Among the living today, the most striking example of a "pure" charismatic leader is Fidel Castro. A fiery revolutionary, an ingenious orator, a successful military leader with an unchanged Havana cigar in his mouth, he acquired his still unshakable authority, precisely because of his personal qualities. He not only won the respect and worship of his people, he achieved complete independence of Cuba. His name is known in all corners of the globe, the history of his life is surrounded by a halo of honor, for many years he really wisely ruled his country. Many regard his rule as dictatorship, but it should be remembered that it is this form of governance that is characteristic of charismatics, often not recognizing any parallel rivalry.

Fidel Castro - the organizer of numerous uprisings and revolutions, he personally took part in the battles, survived 638 attempts. The third in the history of mankind in terms of the duration of government, twice included in the Guinness Book of World Records, Fidel Castro "risks" ending his life not as most "heroic leaders" - on the cross or fire, from poison or in gloomy solitude - but in his own bed, surrounded Numerous relatives, a huge number of admirers and followers.