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| Max Weber |
The first type
discussed by Weber is Rational-legal
authority. It is that form of authority which depends for its legitimacy on
formal rules and established laws of the state, which are usually written down
and are often very complex. The power of the rational legal authority is
mentioned in the constitution. Modern societies depend on legal-rational
authority.
Government officials are the best example of this form of authority, which is prevalent all over the world.
Government officials are the best example of this form of authority, which is prevalent all over the world.
The second type of authority is Traditional authority, which derives from long-established customs,
habits and social structures. When power passes from one generation to another,
then it is known as traditional authority. The right of hereditary monarchs to
rule furnishes an obvious example.
The Tudor dynasty in England and the ruling families of Mewar, in Rajasthan (India) are some examples of traditional authority.
The Tudor dynasty in England and the ruling families of Mewar, in Rajasthan (India) are some examples of traditional authority.
The third form of
authority is Charismatic authority.
Here, the charisma of the individual or the leader plays an important role.
Charismatic authority is that authority which is derived from "the gift of
grace" or when the leader claims that his authority is derived from a
"higher power" (e.g. God or natural law or rights) or
"inspiration", that is superior to both the validity of traditional
and rational-legal authority and followers accept this and are willing to
follow this higher or inspired authority, in the place of the authority that
they have hitherto been following.
Examples in this regard can be NT Rama Rao, a matinee idol, who went on to become one of the most powerful Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh.
Examples in this regard can be NT Rama Rao, a matinee idol, who went on to become one of the most powerful Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh.
History has witnessed several social movements or
revolutions, against a system of traditional or legal-rational authority, which
are usually started by Charismatic authorities.
Weber states that what distinguishes authority, from coercion, force and power on the one hand and leadership, persuasion and
influence on the other hand, is legitimacy.
Superiors, he states, feel that they have a right to issue commands; subordinates perceive an obligation to obey.
Superiors, he states, feel that they have a right to issue commands; subordinates perceive an obligation to obey.
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