Leadership and Charisma A CulturalEvolutionary Perspective

This innovative book explores the universal and cultural foundations that underlie the dynamics of leadership. It asks key questions such as: why are we attracted to leaders? Why do we perceive certain leaders as charismatic? And why do some leaders who are perceived as charismatic during a certain period cease to be perceived as such in another period?

Taking a unique evolutionary and cultural perspective, Micha Popper and Omri Castelnovo argue that the desire for leaders is inherent in the ‘evolutionary software’ of the human race. They provide an observation of the basic evolutionary foundations common to all animals before exploring elements that are unique to humans. The book considers acquired signals, universal and cultural signs of leadership and the phenomenon of charisma. Through the presentation of case studies and historical examples, the book demonstrates how followers create images of leadership and how evolutionary, psychological, and cultural aspects affect this process.

Original and visionary in its approach, this book will be a valuable resource for scholars and students with a focus on business leadership, organizational behavior, and organizational psychology. Its use of both contemporary and historical case studies will also be beneficial for business managers and practitioners.

Micha Popper, Professor, Department of Psychology and Omri Castelnovo, Lecturer, Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Israel