American Economic Journal:
Microeconomics
ISSN 1945-7669 (Print) | ISSN 1945-7685 (Online)
At the Helm, Kirk or Spock? The Pros and Cons of Charismatic Leadership
American Economic Journal: Microeconomics
(pp. 465–92)
Abstract
Charismatic leaders are often desired. At the same time, experience, especially with demagogues, as well as social science studies, raise doubts about such leaders. This paper offers explanations for charismatic leadership's "mixed report card." It offers insights into why and when charismatic leadership can be effective; which, when, and why certain groups will prefer more to less charismatic leaders; and how being more charismatic can make leaders worse in other dimensions, particularly causing them to work less hard on their followers' behalf.Citation
Hermalin, Benjamin E. 2023. "At the Helm, Kirk or Spock? The Pros and Cons of Charismatic Leadership." American Economic Journal: Microeconomics 15 (2): 465–92. DOI: 10.1257/mic.20170407Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- D72 Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
- D83 Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
- M54 Personnel Economics: Labor Management