Maniac or Master? Examining How Leader Self-Control of Affective Experiences Shapes Charismatic Leadership

Abstract

Although researchers have identified affective experiences (e.g., emotions, moods) as integral to
charismatic leadership processes and outcomes, it remains unclear when the experience of positive
and negative affect by leaders is particularly or less effective with respect to the display of charismatic
leadership. Based upon an integration of the self-control framework of the cognitive-affective processing
system, dual-tuning perspective, and the charismatic leadership literature, we described how leader selfcontrol
interacts with high arousal positive and negative affective experiences to increase displays of
charismatic leadership. Using multisource data from 218 U.S. Air Force officers and their subordinates,
we hypothesized and found a three-way interaction by which officers’ high arousal positive affective experience had the strongest positive relationship with charismatic leadership when their high arousal
negative affective experience and self-control were both high. Theoretical and practical implications for
charismatic leadership and character development are discussed.