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The Presidential Crisis Rhetoric Of September 11th, 2001 And Hurricane Katrina: Examples Of Charismatic Leadership Or Not?, Kelly Davis

All Theses

This study investigates the influence of crisis on the use of charismatic rhetoric. Using computerized content analysis, the speeches and radio addresses of President Bush were examined during four time periods, including pre- and post-September 11th and pre- and post-Hurricane Katrina. Theoretical characteristics of charismatic leadership were examined through the development of eight charismatic rhetoric constructs (collective focus, temporal orientation, followers' worth, similarity to followers, values and moral justifications, tangibility, action, and adversity). Results from MANOVA tests reveal that the rhetorical leadership of President Bush became more charismatic following each of the crises, which suggests that the increased charisma was …