Jim Jones And The Peoples Temple Case Study
Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple ethical or unethical practice?
In the 1970’s Jim Jones established a church called the Peoples Temple which eventually became a cult. The foundation of the church was based on social and racial inequality for all. The church started small yet eventually grew to 5,000 members. The Peoples Temple accumulated media and political attention which earned Jones popularity; this resulted to his nomination and selection to city commissioner. According to many Jones did not have much and cared little for wealth and fame. Despite his lack of interest for wealth, the church still accumulated a sum of over 20 million dollars due to many financial contributions. His charismatic approach enabled the church to gain fame …show more content…
Others lead because they posses great minds and there are those who stumble into leadership because of the times they live in for example; the case of Jim Jones and the peoples Temple. Jones attracted many not because he was a great leader, but rather he approached people at a time in America that many needed a leader they could trust and someone to speak for their values. According to Robert C. Solomon leaders and followers each get and give trust to each other. Solomon mentioned that “…charisma is dangerous in the wrong leaders, but rather that it is a distorted perspective on leadership” (Ciulla, 2003, p.206). Also, according to Solomon the emotional core of leadership is trust. There is a difference between obligation and trust. In the case of Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple followers joined the church trusting, but it led to an obligation. (Ciulla, 2003).
Jones carefully and tactfully began a simple relationship with members of the church, which ended up becoming an obligation. Many wanted to leave, but were forced to stay or financially relied on the church. According to Solomon trust is the background of our social activities. Meaning, sometimes we trust without truly knowing, just as people elect politicians on the basis of trust that they will do the right thing. Members of the Peoples Temple trusted that Jones was doing what was best for them and the
In the 1970’s Jim Jones established a church called the Peoples Temple which eventually became a cult. The foundation of the church was based on social and racial inequality for all. The church started small yet eventually grew to 5,000 members. The Peoples Temple accumulated media and political attention which earned Jones popularity; this resulted to his nomination and selection to city commissioner. According to many Jones did not have much and cared little for wealth and fame. Despite his lack of interest for wealth, the church still accumulated a sum of over 20 million dollars due to many financial contributions. His charismatic approach enabled the church to gain fame …show more content…
Others lead because they posses great minds and there are those who stumble into leadership because of the times they live in for example; the case of Jim Jones and the peoples Temple. Jones attracted many not because he was a great leader, but rather he approached people at a time in America that many needed a leader they could trust and someone to speak for their values. According to Robert C. Solomon leaders and followers each get and give trust to each other. Solomon mentioned that “…charisma is dangerous in the wrong leaders, but rather that it is a distorted perspective on leadership” (Ciulla, 2003, p.206). Also, according to Solomon the emotional core of leadership is trust. There is a difference between obligation and trust. In the case of Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple followers joined the church trusting, but it led to an obligation. (Ciulla, 2003).
Jones carefully and tactfully began a simple relationship with members of the church, which ended up becoming an obligation. Many wanted to leave, but were forced to stay or financially relied on the church. According to Solomon trust is the background of our social activities. Meaning, sometimes we trust without truly knowing, just as people elect politicians on the basis of trust that they will do the right thing. Members of the Peoples Temple trusted that Jones was doing what was best for them and the