The charismatic relationship: A dramaturgical perspective
Abstract
In this article we present a model of the processes whereby social actors use impression management behaviors to create and maintain identities as charismatic leaders. Using a dramaturgical and interactive perspective, we examine the roles that the environment, actor (leader), and audience (followers) play in defining the situation and in jointly constructing a “charismatic relationship.” We assert that charismatic leaders' self-systems and situational assessments guide their efforts to manage follower impressions of them, their vision, and their organization. Framing, scripting, staging, and performing constitute the basic phases in this dramaturgical process. Exemplification and promotion are identified as the primary strategies invoked by leaders during the performing phase to construct a charismatic image; facework is employed to protect this image when it is threatened. We also consider how and why followers come to attribute charisma to, identify strongly with, and direct high levels of positive aff...
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Authentic leaders influence follower self-awareness of values/moral perspective more through their individual character, personal example, and dedication than through inspirational appeals, dramatic presentations, or other forms of impression management.
“Distinguishing again between authentic and charismatic leaders, we expect that authentic leaders will influence follower self-awareness of values/moral perspective, more based on their individual character, personal example, and dedication, than on inspirational appeals, dramatic presentations, or other forms of impression management (Gardner & Avolio, 1998).”
From Authentic leadership development: Getting to the root of positive forms of leadership (2005) · cites this paper as Gardner & Avolio, 1998
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- Authors
- Gardner, W. L., & Avolio, B. J.
- Affiliations
- University of Mississippi (US)
- Binghamton University (US)
- Venue
- The Academy of Management Review
- Publisher
- Academy of Management
- Published
- 1998-01
- Volume
- 23
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 32
- ISSN
- 0363-7425 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2148193379
- Cited by
- 965
- References
- 2
- Citations by year
- 2026: 20 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 25 · 2023: 38 · 2022: 33 · 2021: 37 · 2020: 31 · 2019: 33 · 2018: 38 · 2017: 37 · 2016: 45 · 2015: 50 · 2014: 54 · 2013: 48 · 2012: 41
- FWCI
- 64.47
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Academy of Management Review (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Strategy and Management › Leadership and Management in Organizations
- Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management › Management and Organizational Studies
- Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management › Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior
- Keywords
- charismatic leadership, impression management, dramaturgical theory, framing, scripting, staging, exemplification, promotion, facework, leader-follower interaction
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