Authority Flashcards
what is authority
the right to rule: people obey since they believe they have an obligation to, even if they do not like doing it.
3 types of authority
Traditional, charismatic, legal-rational
Traditional authority
- based on long standing customs, traditions or precedents
- e.g. hereditary lords, monarchy
charismatic authority
- based on a leader’s personal qualities which are recognised as somehow superior
- e.g. Martin Luther king jr, Hitler, Ian Paisley snr
legal-rational authority
- based on clearly defined rules and laws
- office holders have a specific scope of power and specific ways to use it
- the strength of an individual’s authority is based more on the office than the individual
- e.g. UK PM, US President
why is authority a solid basis to wield political power?
Lends itself to political stability:
- state is more likely to be supported by the people’s compliance and is therefore more likely to be stable
- stability enables govt or state to stay in power for longer
how does traditional authority lend itself to stability?
its shared customs contribute to a sense of belonging
how does charismatic authority lend itself to stability?
imbues its followers with confidence and trust, making them more likely to embrace change and endure adversity
how does legal-rational authority lend itself to stability?
its rational division of responsibilities makes for greater efficiency of govt; the rule of law reduces the scope for abuse of power
how does traditional authority contribute to INSTABILITY?
it is inherently reactionary and thus an obstacle to necessary change
how does charismatic authority contribute to INSTABILITY?
carries temptation towards self-aggrandisement and may thusly be short lived
how does legal-rational authority contribute to INSTABILITY?
can lead to red tape and bureaucratic inefficiency
