Charismatic leadership is now considered part of transformational leadership. This means that option E, “transformational,” is indeed the correct answer. To fully understand why this choice is accurate, let’s explore the concept of charismatic leadership and its connection to various leadership styles, and also examine why the other options are not the best fit.

Option E: Transformational Leadership

Transformational leadership is a leadership style that emphasizes inspiring and motivating followers to achieve their full potential and surpass their own expectations. It involves charismatic leadership as one of its components.

Charismatic leaders are often seen as inspirational and possess qualities that draw followers toward a compelling vision or goal. They can create a sense of excitement and commitment within their team or organization, which aligns with the principles of transformational leadership.

Transformational leaders go beyond transactional exchanges (Option A: Transactional) and focus on nurturing personal and professional growth in their followers. They encourage innovation, foster a strong organizational culture, and inspire individuals to work toward common goals.

Charismatic leadership is an integral part of transformational leadership because it involves the ability to inspire and create a shared vision, which is central to transformational leadership.

Now, let’s explore why the other options are not the best fit:

Option A: Transactional Leadership

Transactional leadership is characterized by a focus on structured processes, rewards, and punishments based on performance. This style is more concerned with the day-to-day operations and achieving specific, immediate goals.

Charismatic leadership, on the other hand, is about inspiring and motivating followers with a compelling vision, which does not align with the transactional approach. While transactional leadership has its merits, it is not closely related to charismatic leadership.

Option B: Shared Leadership

Shared leadership refers to a collaborative approach where leadership is distributed among team members. It emphasizes collective decision-making and shared responsibilities.

Charismatic leadership is typically associated with an individual leader who possesses unique qualities that inspire others. While shared leadership has its own set of principles, it does not incorporate the central idea of a charismatic leader as a singular, inspirational figure.

Option C: Laissez-faire Leadership

Laissez-faire leadership is characterized by a hands-off or passive approach, where leaders allow subordinates a high degree of autonomy. It is quite the opposite of charismatic leadership, which is known for its active and inspirational qualities. Charismatic leaders tend to be highly engaged, motivating, and visionary, which is in contrast to the passive nature of laissez-faire leadership.

Option D: Servant Leadership

Servant leadership is a style that prioritizes the well-being and growth of the followers. It is about leaders serving their team members. While servant leaders exhibit humility, empathy, and a focus on others’ needs, it differs from charismatic leadership in that it may not involve the same level of inspiration or a compelling vision that charismatic leaders typically provide.

Charismatic leadership often centers around the leader’s ability to inspire and rally followers toward a common goal.

In summary, charismatic leadership is considered part of transformational leadership because it aligns with the principles of inspiring and motivating followers to achieve their full potential and work toward a shared vision. Transformational leaders, including charismatic leaders, aim to create a sense of excitement and commitment within their teams or organizations.

While other leadership styles have their merits, they do not encompass the unique qualities and emphasis on inspiration associated with charismatic leadership, making transformational leadership the most suitable category for charismatic leadership.