The Nature,Determinants,and Consequences of Chávez’s Charisma: Evidence From a Study of Venezuelan Public Opinion

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez is frequently labeled “charismatic,” but this aspect of his leadership has mostly escaped direct argument and analysis. The authors offer a measure of charisma and a reciprocal account of the relationship between charisma and performance evaluations. Data from a national survey of Venezuelans confirm that perceptions of Chávez’s charisma in 2007 were comparatively high. Using three-stage least squares regression analysis the authors then document a highly dynamic process, by which poor performance erodes perceptions of Chávez’s charisma (and favors an opponent) while lingering beliefs in that charisma lead some to see better conditions than are perceived by those who do not subscribe to the charismatic sheen. The argument and analysis sharpen understandings of the nature, determinants, and consequences of charisma. The authors suggest that and explain why public support for Chávez is likely to recede at a slow, protracted pace rather than be abruptly withdrawn.