Charisma

Charisma is a trait found among individuals who possess a seemingly natural talent to lead or inspire a large following. The word is derived from the Greek word for “gift” or “divine favor,” which emphasizes its popular view of being a god-given quality or ability. It is a popularly debated subject in psychology and has important implications in politics and religion. Indeed, most religious leaders throughout history are thought to have had a great deal of charisma, which many feel explains their success in attracting followers.

A person who has charisma is thought of as a natural-born leader. Researchers find it challenging to give charisma an exact definition; rather, most people find it easier to identify a person who has it. He or she may possess some or all of the following traits: confidence, charm, persuasiveness, attractiveness, eloquence, assertiveness, enthusiasm, and expressiveness. It is characterized by a certain magnetic appeal that a person has that attracts others to his or her cause. Having the ability to speak to large crowds effectively is also a skill associated with [Page 191]charisma. Although it is thought by most to be an inborn trait, some researchers believe that charisma can be taught or imitated. Other than in politicians and religious figures, a high degree of charisma can be found among actors, musicians, and chief executives of corporations.

Not surprisingly, charisma is a trait often associated with religious figures throughout history. In the religious context, charisma may be taken a step further than being defined as simply a character trait; it is important to note that it is thought of as a “divine favor.” A leader may claim to have been “touched by God” and thus have exclusive knowledge or special powers that were bestowed on him or her by a supernatural being (i.e., God). As a result of this charismatic authority and its supposedly divine nature, such leaders command a degree of obedience that would not normally be established and are thus seen as possessing higher authority than anyone else in their followers’ eyes. Of course, to gain this type of power, these leaders must not only claim to have divine contact, but they must also be able to convince their followers that they have indeed had contact with God. It is not beyond anyone to claim that God has spoken to him or her, but it is much harder to convince people of it.

The relationship between charismatic religious leaders and their followers is highly emotional in nature. Since there are no existing human standards by which to measure the validity of the leader's claim of divine contact and no legal basis that justifies the leader's authority, followers must rely heavily on the person's words and actions. In a typical scenario, a traditional set of laws and norms is already in place when religious leaders start to take control, but since their authority is derived from a “higher power,” their leadership commands a higher degree of obedience than that granted to a “normal” person—for example, an elected official. If the emotional bond between the leader and his or her followers should break, their obedience will quickly fade. This subjective leadership based on charisma is thus typically unstable and sometimes volatile.

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