Introduction to Leadership Studies
Is the success of a transformational
leader found through possessing
certain character traits or does it
depend on particular circumstances?
Akash Parakh, Abdullah Rifai, Ben Leong,
Jessica Tan, Kata Voros, Luka Nikolic,
Mariessa Rahbari, Ohi Imoukhuede
Transformational
Leadership
- Are superheroes born or made?
- Transformational (charismatic) leaders can
motivate followers to rise above personal selfinterests for the good of everyone.
- Transformational leaders capture hearts and minds
(Bass and Avolio, 1994)
-They are often seen as superhuman
-(Weber, 1922/1947)
- They tend to embody a cause
- They are symbolic of their time
Barack Obama
Background
- Born in Hawaii on August 4th 1961.
- Is the 44th and current president of the USA.
- Came into power in 2009.
Image source:
http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2008/06/apparently_obama_really_does_have_an_enormous_lead.html
Character traits
- Inspires others to achieve a goal
- Eloquent
- Power of speech
- Confidence
- Persuasive
- Motivational
- Natural charisma
- Gains the trust of followers
Image source: http://hectorh.scripts.mit.edu/blog/?tag=barack-obama
A charismatic leader can only be successful if he/she
creates change in a change-seeking environment.
Situational Context
People
hungry for
change
Bad living
conditions
George
Bush not
the best of
Presidents
War in Iraq &
Afghanistan
War on
terror
Economic
depression
Unemployment
Image source: http://pauaprincess.wordpress.com/2007/03/04/are-we-jealous-or-do-we-hate-america-andwhy/
Lafayette Ronald Hubbard
Background
- Born in Nebraska on March 13th 1911.
- Former science fiction writer and book author.
- Founder of the religion scientology.
Image source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1204715/Scientology-founder-L-RonHubbard-exposed-fraud-British-diplomats-30-years-ago.html
Character traits
- Good team member and leader
- Loyal, honest, discrete and helpful
- Well travelled and educated
(knew how the human mind worked)
- Engaged with other people
- Inspiring
- Hero like
Image source: http://www.newerapublications.com/nep/about-us/about-l-ron-hubbard.html
Incentives to invent
Scientology
- Helped Hubbard to rebuild his image
following various personal scandals
- Gave people hope in a time when
America had just gone through the
great depression followed by World
War II.
 "You don't get rich writing science fiction. If you
want to get rich, you start a religion.”
- L. Ron Hubbard, 1948
 Used psychology to manipulate followers
 The use of rhetoric
 ‘The only way to control anybody is to lie to them’
(LRH)
The Legacy of LRH
- Today, there are 8 million Scientologists in the
world.
- Hubbard is still seen as a hero to the followers.
- Even though Scientology often being described as
one of the most controversial religious movements to
have arisen in the 20th century.
- This is because they dismiss medical treatment
as a valid healing process, favoring ’mental
cleaning.
The roles of followers of LRH
- Scientologists actively recruit celebrities
- The use of brainwashing
 Sea Org
 RPF
 Gang bang sec
In conclusion…
Characteristics are important but a
transformational leader can only change people
when change is required.
Even the most charismatic leaders require a certain
political, economical and social environment.