Who to follow? : the role of follower variables in ratings of socialized and personalized charisma

This study explored under-researched follower "individual difference" variables (Machiavellianism, Collectivism, Self-concept Clarity, and gender) that had not been previously studied together in predicting perceptions of a charismatic leader. Onehundred and twenty college students were given a survey packet containing a fictitious speech given by a CSU president, the Mach IV scale, the Individualism-Collectivism scale (INDCOL), and the Self-concept Clarity scale (SCC). The results suggested a significant relationship between Mach scores and identification of the leader motives (personalized vs. socialized). High Machs under-identified highly socialized charismatic leaders, while low Machs over-identified highly socialized leaders. In addition, a fanshaped interaction was found between gender and leader motive on influence. Men showed no differences in leader influence as a function of leader motive; however, women were significantly more influenced by the socialized charismatic leader.