The role of charisma in socio-cultural movements
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Community, Minority, and Non-Formal Education
Presentation Format Requested
Fast Format (7 minutes)
Session Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the role of charismatic leadership in socio-cultural movements. The themes include: the ideological and moral identity development for followers, the development of solidarity between the leader and the followers, and inspiring commitment among followers to spread the message to the public.
Target Audience
Researchers, graduate students, and practitioners who are interested in the topics of leadership, social movement, and the socio-cultural aspect of learning.
Learning Outcomes
Learners will know the role of charisma in socio-cultural movements: The role of charisma is to spark socio-cultural movements from which charismatic leaders emerge. The occurrence of charisma in a leader depends not only on his or her attributes, but also on the followers and the situation. Most often there is a display of exceptional ability in communicating a unique ideological and moral identity for the followers or organization (House, 1977). The development of a vision and a mission that inspires and motivates others is a key activity among charismatic leaders.
Session Description
The purpose of this research study is to explore the role of charismatic leadership in socio-cultural movements. This paper studies the case of The Way International and its founder Victor Paul Wierwille during the decade of the 1970s, a period of social upheaval in American history.
Three themes emerged from the data, including: Developing a unique ideological and moral identity for followers, encouraging solidarity in mission, and making commitment to spread the message to the public. The findings show that charismatic leadership develops during the periods of social upheaval that upsets cultural norms and causes crisis and anxiety among populations. Such leadership emerges as a hero to offer a distinctively unconventional ideology and new identity. In this case study, Victor Paul Wierwille disseminated a message of personal spiritual and mental empowerment in his written works and in the teaching practice he offered in the Power for Abundant Living series of classes. Wierwille advocated for the spiritual life and enfranchisement of the individual, and for solidarity among the collective (Wierwille, 1971). As a charismatic teacher, Wierwille made a commitment to spread the message to others as part of the confidence-building and encouragement for the public.
Format & Technique
20 minutes: Introduction of the study
20 minutes: Discussion and questions
5 minutes: Wrap up.
Primary Presenter
Sherry Bryant, Ball State University
Work Title
Educator