Micha Popper - Böcker

Charismatic leadership in its extreme manifestations resembles a hypnotic situation in which the followers lose their autonomic judgment. Popper compares leadership to fire. The leader is the spark, the followers the fuel, and the circumstances the oxygen that feeds the flames. Fire can destroy everything in its path, and such a strong fire is a metaphor for what is described as Hypnotic Leadership.Describing examples of hypnotic leadership and using theories and concepts from psychology and the social sciences, Dr. Popper begins by providing three examples of leaders defined as hypnotic, whose spheres of influence ranged from a small group to millions of people. He then looks at the object of the hypnotism, the followers, demonstrating the psychological meaning of the yearning for a leader. While describing this as a possible general condition, Popper qualifies the universality of the argument, referring to differences between cultures in the attitudes toward authority or the ability to tolerate ambiguity. These differences are of great significance in terms of the susceptibility of being hypnotized by a charismatic leader. Popper then examines the meeting of factors that create the drama of hypnotic leadership, presenting the central concepts that are used in analyzing the phenomenon, and demonstrating their use with reference to examples cited and the analysis of the processes in a broad perspective. This is a provocative analysis for students and scholars of leadership and psycho-dynamic processes.

In this wide-ranging historical exploration of transformational leadership, Popper examines why followers are influenced by leaders and what psychological dynamics exist between leaders and their subordinates, and, in the process, redefines the phenomenon of leadership. Exploring the emotional connections that bind charismatic leaders and those who support them, he contends that this multifaceted relationship is based on reciprocal need. By focusing on prominent figures throughout history who have altered the lives of their followers in profound ways, Popper shows how these leaders reinvented and disseminated value systems, for good (e.g., Nelson Mandela), but often for ill (e.g., Hitler). Whether the influence of a charismatic leader is destructive and negative or constructive and positively transformative, this intriguing work argues that the reciprocal process that takes place between leader and follower, as well as key formative events in the lives of leaders, are surprisingly similar.Using such famous and infamous leaders as Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Madela, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Hitler, Charles Manson, and Jim Jones, Popper defines and explores three types of leader-follower relationships: Regressive relationships, which are characterized by mutual dependence; Symbolic relationships, which are rooted in symbolic meaning; Developmental-transformational relationships, which permit positive moral and emotional development.

Why are we attracted to leaders? Does this attraction have universal origins or is it culture-bound? Why and how are certain concepts and myths regarding leaders generated? Analyzing the psychology of followers, this unique book explores these important questions. Micha Popper expertly offers new and surprising insights regarding the leadership phenomenon whilst providing relevant examples.This inspiring book posits that followers are the key to understanding the leadership phenomenon. It analyzes leader-follower dynamics in social and organizational settings and in politics which will strongly appeal to students of social psychology, sociology, management and political sciences. The book provides examples and in-depth analyses of 'the psychology of followership in everyday life' and will therefore prove invaluable for managers. A special emphasis is given to leader-follower dynamics at various levels of organizational life.Contents: Introduction 1. Another Book About Leadership? 2. Leadership as a Psychological Phenomenon 3. Fictionalization of Leadership 4. The Big Picture Conclusion References Index

This innovative book explores the universal and cultural foundations that underlie the dynamics of leadership. It asks key questions such as: why are we attracted to leaders? Why do we perceive certain leaders as charismatic? And why do some leaders who are perceived as charismatic during a certain period cease to be perceived as such in another period?Taking a unique evolutionary and cultural perspective, Micha Popper and Omri Castelnovo argue that the desire for leaders is inherent in the ‘evolutionary software’ of the human race. They provide an observation of the basic evolutionary foundations common to all animals before exploring elements that are unique to humans. The book considers acquired signals, universal and cultural signs of leadership and the phenomenon of charisma. Through the presentation of case studies and historical examples, the book demonstrates how followers create images of leadership and how evolutionary, psychological, and cultural aspects affect this process.Original and visionary in its approach, this book will be a valuable resource for scholars and students with a focus on business leadership, organizational behavior, and organizational psychology. Its use of both contemporary and historical case studies will also be beneficial for business managers and practitioners.

This book presents a solid, research-based conceptual framework that demystifies organizational learning and bridges the gap between theory and practice. Using an integrative approach, authors Raanan Lipshitz, Victor Friedman and Micha Popper provide practitioners and researchers with tools for understanding organizational learning under real-world conditions.    Key Features: Tackles the problem of mystification: A clear message is presented that organizational learning and related concepts have been mystified in a way that is unnecessary and dysfunctional to both theory and practice. This book provides a unique set of tools for understanding, promoting, and studying organizational learning. Introduces an integrative theme that addresses three key questions: How can organizations actually learn? What is the key for productive organizational learning? When is productive organizational learning likely to occur? Answering these questions is the key to clarifying the conceptual confusion that plagues the related fields of organizational learning, learning organizations, and knowledge management. Illuminates organizational reality: All of the concepts presented in the book are illustrated through concrete case examples. Detailed analyses are provided of both successful and unsuccessful applications of organizational learning. In addition, examples of interventions to develop organizational learning are included to help managers and consultants.  

Intended Audience: This book is designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses such as Organizational Learning, Knowledge Management, and Organizational Behavior in the departments of Management, Organizational Behavior, Psychology, and Sociology.

This book presents a solid, research-based conceptual framework that demystifies organizational learning and bridges the gap between theory and practice. Using an integrative approach, authors Raanan Lipshitz, Victor Friedman and Micha Popper provide practitioners and researchers with tools for understanding organizational learning under real-world conditions.    Key Features: Tackles the problem of mystification: A clear message is presented that organizational learning and related concepts have been mystified in a way that is unnecessary and dysfunctional to both theory and practice. This book provides a unique set of tools for understanding, promoting, and studying organizational learning. Introduces an integrative theme that addresses three key questions: How can organizations actually learn? What is the key for productive organizational learning? When is productive organizational learning likely to occur? Answering these questions is the key to clarifying the conceptual confusion that plagues the related fields of organizational learning, learning organizations, and knowledge management. Illuminates organizational reality: All of the concepts presented in the book are illustrated through concrete case examples. Detailed analyses are provided of both successful and unsuccessful applications of organizational learning. In addition, examples of interventions to develop organizational learning are included to help managers and consultants.  

Intended Audience: This book is designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses such as Organizational Learning, Knowledge Management, and Organizational Behavior in the departments of Management, Organizational Behavior, Psychology, and Sociology.