Question

Describe the three bases of authority identified by Weber. Is it possible for each of these types of authority to function at the same time within an organization? Discuss.

Answer 1

The three bases of authority from Weber include: traditional, charismatic, and legal-rational authority. Traditional authority includes the sanctity of tradition in which the abilityto rule is passed down. Traditional authority does not usually change over time and itdoes not encourage social change. Charismatic authority is embedded in a leader whowants to inspire others and create a mission and vision. Charismatic leaders are oftenindividuals who inspire new social movements. Legal-rational authority includes theformal beliefs of legal law and natural law. All three of these characteristics can function atthe same time within an organization. For instance, a leader could be selected based onheritage or tradition and still possess charismatic qualities as well as a strict adherence tothe law. These qualities by Weber are uniform principles that an individual can possesssimultaneously because they are stand-alone principles that do not cancel out oneanother but can function efficiently together.