Executive Summary Numerous theoretical explanations of charismatic leadership highlight the importance of providing meaning to followers. However, these explanations do not provide clear descriptions of how and why charismatic leaders construct meaning for followers based on their personal meaning. This article focuses on such theoretical issues with the hope of stimulating more systematic research efforts and practitioner interest on this topic. Emphasis is placed on influences of sources of personal meaning and purpose-in-life on the development of charismatic behaviors and attributions.
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