2.3.3 CK Scale of Charismatic Leadership

Purpose 

The CK Scale of Charismatic Leadership aims to measure how followers perceive a leader’s charismatic behaviors. It assesses characteristics associated with charismatic leadership. The test is typically taken by followers or subordinates within an organization who interact with and observe the behaviors of their leaders. It aims to capture their perceptions of a leader’s charismatic behaviors. In particular, the tool explores leaders’ vision and articulation, sensitivity to their environments, sensitivity to member needs, personal risk, and unconventional behavior.

The results of the test may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of leaders in demonstrating charismatic behaviors, identify areas for leadership development, and assess the impact of charismatic leadership on followers and organizational performance.

Description 

Conger and Kanungo built a model of charismatic leadership based on three separate studies involving managers in the United States, political delegates in Canada, and clerical staff in India. Their goal was to create a questionnaire that could accurately capture the essence of charismatic leadership across different contexts (Conger & Kanungo, 1994; 1997; 2000). They developed the CK Scale of Charismatic Leadership out of this model.

The model has 25 Likert-type items with a 6-point scale. Analyses across studies suggest the questionnaire reflects a five-factor model that aligns with the classic Weberian view of charisma. Additionally, the results provide evidence that the scale is a reliable and valid tool for assessing charismatic leadership in diverse settings. Lian et al., (2011) and Kersting and Rowold (2008), both validate the model in Chinese and German context. Conger et al. (2000) studied the impact of charismatic leadership on managers and found a strong link between how much followers revered their leader and their perception of the leader’s charisma. Interestingly, follower trust and satisfaction stemmed from this reverence. Also, charismatic leadership directly influenced a sense of collective identity and perceived team performance, which fueled feelings of empowerment.

While charismatic leadership is a major topic in leadership research, there’s growing criticism of using surveys to assess charisma. John Antonakis, a prominent expert in the field, argues that experimental studies are the only way to accurately study charisma due to the potential for bias in survey responses (Lonati & Antonakis, 2023).

Access 

The CK Scale of Charismatic Leadership is accessible via academic journals and research databases, including in the relevant articles listed in the references section. Prior to usage, permission from the authors or copyright holders may be necessary. Contact the authors directly or consult the articles for more information on the availability and permissions.

Reference 

Conger, J. A., & Kanungo, R. N. (1994). Charismatic leadership in organizations: Perceived behavioral attributes and their measurement. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 15(5), 439–452. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.4030150508

Conger, J. A., Kanungo, R. N., Menon, S. T., & Mathur, P. (1997). Measuring charisma: Dimensionality and validity of the Conger-Kanungo scale of charismatic leadership. Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences, 14(3), 290-302. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1936-4490.1997.tb00136.x

Conger, J. A., Kanungo, R. N., & Menon, S. T. (2000). Charismatic leadership and follower effects. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 21(7), 747-767. https://doi.org/10.1002/1099-1379(200011)21:7<747::AID-JOB46>3.0.CO;2-J

Lian, H., Brown, D. J., Tanzer, N. K., & Che, H. (2011). Distal charismatic leadership and follower effects: An examination of Conger and Kanungo’s conceptualization of charisma in China. Leadership, 7(3), 251–273. https://doi.org/10.1177/1742715011407386

Lonati, J., & Antonakis, J. (2023). Endogeneity and endogenous theorizing. In G. R. Goethals, S. T. Allison, & G. J. Sorenson (Eds.) The Sage encyclopedia of leadership studies (pp. 318–323). Sage Publications.

Kersting, M., & Rowold, J. (2008). The assessment of charismatic leadership: Validity of a German version of the Conger-Kanungo Scale (CKS). European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 24(2), 124–130. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1027/1015-5759.24.2.124