Leadership is an essential aspect in organizational behavior. The kind of leaders and the leadership styles employed in different organizations matters most to the organizational success. Charismatic leadership and transformational leadership are the most common leadership styles present in most organizations. The two leadership styles have different ways through which leaders exerts their influence to the followers in achieving the organizational goal (Lussier & Achua, 2013). Although the two leadership styles are similar in different ways, there are also some distinct elements that distinguish the two.

To start with, charismatic leadership is based on the term charisma. It is a form of leadership that assumes that a leader is dominant over the followers and consequently has the ability to influence them in the direction they wish. In essence, a charismatic leader is deemed as a symbol of power and authority in an organization. Followers in a charismatic leadership situation have a strong belief to their leaders and are seen as the de facto leader of the organization. A charismatic leader is expected to be dominant, self-confident person with high ethical values. They are considered as role models due to their high ethical standards and ability to make informed decisions (Lussier & Achua, 2013). Followers in such instances assume that their leaders have exceptional skills or talents thus making them special. It is also imperative to point out that charismatic leaders are risk takers as well as innovative. It is essential to note that charismatic leadership is characterized of leaders with strong personality, which embodies the centre of the whole leadership process. The personalities of the followers are least considered in this form of leadership as the leader is generally accepted as the only decision maker in the organization.

On the other hand, transformational leadership is a leadership style where leaders inspires and motivates followers to work towards achieving the organizational goal. Unlike in the charismatic leadership, followers in transformational leadership have a role to play in the management of organizational affairs and making major decisions (Lussier & Achua, 2013).   Leaders under this leadership style encourage their followers to be more innovative and creative. A transformational leader will motivate followers, increase their awareness on the importance of task outcomes and also encourage them to be more creative and innovative.

To a great extent, transformational leadership is asserted to be similar to charismatic leadership. Nevertheless, this is not the case as the two styles are distinct in various ways. Transformational leaders’ hip is a broader concept of a charismatic leadership. It is essential to note that transformational leadership is more than charismatic leadership as the input of the followers in decision making processes is highly valued. It is wise to point out that a transformational leadership allows a transformational relationship between the leaders and the followers. Leaders and the followers work together and thereby motivate each other and this relationship can be beneficial to the overall good of the organization (Lussier & Achua, 2013). In essence, transformational leadership treat followers as equal persons rather than subordinates and hence are involved I moral leadership but not in power.  This is the major difference between the two styles as charismatic leaders are the only decision maker and the input of followers is not considered at all.

Reference

Lussier, R. & Achua, C. (2013). Leadership: Theory, Application, & Skill DevelopmentMason, Ohio: Thomson/SouthWestern

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