Narcissism and attachment patterns of personalized and socialized charismatic leaders

On the basis of the theoretical distinction between socialized charismatic leaders (SCL) and personalized charismatic leaders (PCL), two studies were conducted in order to: (i) construct measures that distinguish between these two types of leader; and (ii) explore, using attachment theory, aspects that might account for the differential development of leaders in the direction of becoming personalized or socialized charismatic leaders. The findings of the two studies presented here indicate narcissism as a major personality variable that distinguishes between PCL and SCL. Attachment theory can help to explain the sources of the development of leaders in the personalized or socialized direction.