Weber Flashcards
What are the three types of power, or “legitimate authority”, according to Weber, 1924?
Rational grounds, traditional grounds, charismatic grounds
How does Weber’s theory of legitimate authority line up with e.g. French and Raven, 1959?
Weber’s traditional and F&R’s legitimate power line up quite well, F&R referent and Weber charismatic line up to some extent, but Weber has a broader view of charisma, F&R positional power and Weber legal authority line up, F&R focus on expert power and reward and coercive power. F&R also takes into account informational power, which may be even more important nowadays.
Describe three characteristics of Weber’s bureaucracy.
E.g. hierarchical, promotions based on seniority/achievement, most decisions and discussions are documented and written down, defined spheres of competence for officials/roles, workers/officials/employees separated from ownership, fixed monthly wages, superiors decide on promotions
Explain how Weber argues that democratically electing officials is inefficient compared to them being appointed by superiors.
Being appointed by superiors ensures better emphasis on the capabilities/knowledge of individuals. Electing would mean everyone could compete for the same positions, and having a hierarchy wouldn’t be feasible
“Candidates [to become officials in a bureaucracy] are selected on the basis of technical qualifications” (Weber, 1924). Is this true in the real world?
Arguments e.g. if there are good systems to measure technical knowledge and contribution then yes, arguments about social and power relationships, etc.
What does Weber mean by technical knowledge?
Specialist knowledge that makes a person apt for a certain task/function. Both knowledge taught by formal training and learning “on the job”.
What makes Weber’s bureaucracy an advantageous form of organization? What may be disadvantages?
Very efficient, knowledge is documented and can be spread, structure is precise, predictable and stable. However, it may be Poorly adaptable and slow to change so may fail in dynamic environments (Mintzberg), might silo people due to defined spheres of responsibility (see “The Silo Effect”), extra work to maintain (e.g. documenting everything), which could impose extra costs small, growing companies may not be able to afford
What characteristic makes a bureaucracy so efficient according to Weber?
Its focus on knowledge. Knowledge spreads throughout the organization and technical knowledge is prioritized when promoting people, leading to efficient outcomes
What are the societal consequences of bureaucracy?
Levelling: Social classes and ranks lose importance because bureaucracies promote and rank based on technical expertise/knowledge; Plutocracy: A wealthy elite ends up with power and control; “Spirit of formalistic impersonality”: People are treated equal and the same, regardless of personal considerations.
Is the consequence of “a spirit of formalistic impersonality” due to bureaucracy, as described by Weber, a good or a bad thing?
Possible arguments e.g. good in the sense that it provides a more equal playing field, but from a societal perspective could be argued to kill off diversity and may not take full economic advantage of differences in ways of thinking/diversity among people
