Final answer:
Charismatic authority is most dominant when a leader's personal qualities and charisma inspire followers to accept their power, often during times of crisis. Hitler's rise to power serves as a historical example. The tenure of charismatic leaders is usually short-lived, balancing between transformative and tyrannical outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The source of power most dominant, when a leader is followed due to his or her charisma, is known as charismatic authority. This form of authority arises when the personal qualities of a leader inspire followers to make sacrifices and persist through hardship. An example of this would be Hitler's rise to power during the postwar economic depression in Germany, where his appeal and vision resonated with the populace, leading them to accept his leadership.
Charismatic leaders often emerge during times of crisis and captivate their audience with innovative solutions or a radical reimagining of societal order. However, the tenure of such leaders is usually brief and their rule can be as destructive as it is transformative. Notable charismatic leaders in history include figures like Jesus Christ, Napoleon, and Mother Teresa, each exemplifying diverse qualities that cemented their charismatic status.
Despite the potential for a personality cult and the risks associated with charismatic leadership, people are drawn to these figures because of the promise and hope they embody in trying times. They often play a crucial role in bringing a sense of direction and order to a chaotic situation, thereby earning their legitimacy among their followers.