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TopPurpose And Methodology
Snyder (2019) surmises that the literature review is an important process in understanding interdisciplinary intersects of knowledge, in forming important new research questions, and further notes that “building your research on and relating it to existing knowledge is the building block of all academic research activities, regardless of discipline” (p. 333). For administrators, curriculum developers, faculty, and even students, there are opportunities to see, experience, and demonstrate cultural competency through effective leadership. This semi-systematic review of the literature has identified opportunities for discussion in this area. The purpose of this article was to examine Charismatic, Servant, Transformational, and Situational Leadership through the lens of cultural competence in higher education. Upon review of pertinent and foundational literature associated with each leadership style, recommendations for practice for steakholders in higher education were synthesized. Recommendations were made for administrators, curriculum developers, faculty, and students, and implications were posed for future research initiatives.
Charismatic Leadership
Charisma is described by Uhl-bien et al (2021) as a characteristic that others are easily influenced by and find attractive. It was the working paper of Robert House (1976) that provided a compilation of the known understanding of charisma at the time as well as a working understanding of Charismatic Leadership Theory. An interesting aspect of Charismatic Leadership is the disciple-like effect the followers espouse of charismatic leaders (House, 1976) as shown below:
Houses’ Charismatic Effects
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Followers are extremely motivated and passively obey the leader
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The leaders’ beliefs are trusted by the followers without verification
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The followers’ beliefs are the same as the leaders
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The followers do not ever question the leader, they are always obedient, and they desire to be like the leader
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The followers feel emotionally connected to the mission and feel that they are contributors
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The followers feel that they have a heightened purpose because of the leader
Interestingly, a challenge with charismatics is how they use their leadership, whether for good - or for evil. There have been many charismatic leaders throughout history including Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and Jesus Christ. Yet Adolf Hitler was also a charismatic leader as well, using his influence to drive evil initiatives. Charismatics find a way to connect with their followers on a deep emotional level, and that is why they are so effective, but it is also why their power can have damaging effects (Uhl-Bien et al, 2021).