Introduction: Problems and Prospects in Understanding Charismatic Leadership

Jay A. Conger

Rabindra N. Kanungo

“I am not a candidate, do not plan to become a candidate, and see no circumstances that would change my mind.” These words were written by Lee Iacocca in a letter to the organizers of the Draft Lee Iacocca for President committee in July 1986. In trying to convince Iacocca to run for president of the United States, these organizers admitted that they were not acting on Iacocca's behalf but felt that they were seeking the best leadership for the country. The committee was not alone. Polls conducted and published in the summer of 1986 by the Washington Post and Time magazine pointed to Iacocca's surprisingly high level of public popularity. ...

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