Is Legal Rational Authority the Most Rational Type of Authority?
QUESTION : ACCORDING TO MAX WEBER, LEGAL-RATIONAL AUTHORITY IS THE MOST RATIONAL TYPE OF AUTHORITY.DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS STATEMENT? GIVE REASONS FOR YOUR ANSWER.
In every society, whether pre-modern or modern, there has been a hierarchy of command of which everyone must adhere to. In order for this system to operate, there must be someone in charge. Since every human being is found in a group or an organization which may be a country, tribe, institution or a family, it is obvious that the hierarchy of command is also in different types and forms.Therefore, this essay is an attempt to show with reasoning, whether or not that legal-rational authority is the most rational type of authority as viewed by Max Weber. It will first explain the three types of authority, then compare them in terms of rationality and applicability with present day examples and finally, a conclusion will be withdrawn.
The word “authority” comes from the verb “authorize” which means “lead”. It is defined as a transactional process characterized by active reciprocal interrelationships in which the values, training, and perceptions of members play a crucial role in defining and validating the power of leaders (Peter, 1963:135).Authority rests on socially accepted norms that define compliance with certain orders as a social duty. Norms are rules of conduct towards which members orient their behavior (Ibid: 223).An individual is considered an authority because of his technical expertise, combined with his ability to communicate effectively with the group (Basu, 1994).
Rationality means the effectiveness of something while the word “legal” means “within the accepted formal rules”.Therefore, legal-rational authority is belief in the legality of patterns of standard rules and the right of those elevated to authority under such rules to issue commands. Under this type, authority is held by legally established impersonal orders and extends to people by virtue of offices they hold. Their power
In every society, whether pre-modern or modern, there has been a hierarchy of command of which everyone must adhere to. In order for this system to operate, there must be someone in charge. Since every human being is found in a group or an organization which may be a country, tribe, institution or a family, it is obvious that the hierarchy of command is also in different types and forms.Therefore, this essay is an attempt to show with reasoning, whether or not that legal-rational authority is the most rational type of authority as viewed by Max Weber. It will first explain the three types of authority, then compare them in terms of rationality and applicability with present day examples and finally, a conclusion will be withdrawn.
The word “authority” comes from the verb “authorize” which means “lead”. It is defined as a transactional process characterized by active reciprocal interrelationships in which the values, training, and perceptions of members play a crucial role in defining and validating the power of leaders (Peter, 1963:135).Authority rests on socially accepted norms that define compliance with certain orders as a social duty. Norms are rules of conduct towards which members orient their behavior (Ibid: 223).An individual is considered an authority because of his technical expertise, combined with his ability to communicate effectively with the group (Basu, 1994).
Rationality means the effectiveness of something while the word “legal” means “within the accepted formal rules”.Therefore, legal-rational authority is belief in the legality of patterns of standard rules and the right of those elevated to authority under such rules to issue commands. Under this type, authority is held by legally established impersonal orders and extends to people by virtue of offices they hold. Their power
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