types of authority

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RESPONSE:

1. Differentiate between the various types of authority as outlined by Max Weber. Give examples to illustrate each type.

? Traditional authority
? Charismatic authority
? Legal-rational authority
? No authority structure

In Traditional authority, the ability and right to rule is passed down through tradition, often through heredity, with has unique elements. Rational authority, " does not change overtime, does not facilitate social change, tends to be irrational and inconsistent, and perpetuates the status quo." (http://danawilliams2.tripod.com/authority.html) Along this line, for example, Weber states: "The creation of new law opposite traditional norms is deemed impossible in principle." Traditional authority is typically embodied in feudalism or patrimonialism. In a purely patriarchal structure, "the servants are completely and personally dependent upon the lord", while in an estate system (i.e. feudalism), "the servants are not personal servants of the lord but independent men" (Weber 1958, 4, cited in http://danawilliams2.tripod.com/authority.html). But, in both cases the system of authority does not change or evolve. (http://danawilliams2.tripod.com/authority.html)

For Weber, the Charismatic authority is represented by leadership involving a leader whose mission and vision inspire others. This type of authority is based upon the perceived extraordinary characteristics of a person. In fact, according to Weber, the charismatic leader was considered the head of a new social movement, and these leaders are believed to be filled with divine or supernatural powers i.e. a religious prophet. Weber seemed to favor charismatic authority, and he proposed it was "routinized" in several ways, such as: ...