Analysis of “The Types of Legitimate Domination” by Max Weber

From Sociological Theory 2019

Chancellor Otto von Bismarck and praise from devout German citizens

Max Weber opens his theory on types of legitimate domination by defining domination as “the probability that certain specific commands will be obeyed by a given group of persons” (Weber 320). Domination is a form of authority, and is based on motives for people to comply, an “interest” to obey. In order for domination to occur, where a specific number of people are ruled over, it requires a much smaller, “special” group who perform duties and execute the policy. There must also be a motive or an interest for the administrators to be obedient or loyal to the superior, which varies. Some possible motives for both the administrators and the regular people include ordinances, emotions, material gain, and personal beliefs. The use of these motives decides the type of domination.

Weber proposes legitimacy is almost always required to form a reliable basis for domination success. The kind of legitimacy established greatly influences several factors to domination. These being type of obedience, the superiors formed for it, and the manner in which authority is employed. The three pure types of legitimate domination are based on rational, traditional, and charismatic grounds. Rational grounds depend on legality and justification, traditional grounds depend on traditionalistic ideas and beliefs, and charismatic grounds depend on the loyalty to the model character of an individual.

Weber states that legal authority rests on the knowledge and approval of the truth of several “inter-dependent ideas” (Weber 321). The simplest form of legal authority is that which utilizes a bureaucratic administrative staff. Only the highest chief holds the position of dominance by election, by succession, or by force. Under the highest authority are the administrative staff composing of individual officials, which creates a monocracy type. For a collegial type, some qualities include hierarchal organization, a “defined sphere of competence,” staff is appointed and not elected, and strict, systematic discipline (Weber 322). A collegial type of organization can be used for various reasons, whether it be material gains, charitable means, and more.

Traditional authority is explained by weber to be used for customary rules and powers where leaders are obeyed for their “traditional status” (Weber 323). This type of authority relies on the faithfulness of its members. The authority is considered a master, and not better than their followers. The master’s staff are called personal retainers and the followers are “comrades” or “subjects” (Weber 323). Obedience is given to the master who holds authority based on traditionalism, which is legitimized in two possible ways. First being the kind of command they give that cannot be outside of traditional structure, and second being the ability to make any command they wish because obedience of the followers is without limits, as long as it is within tradition.

Weber describe charismatic authority where anyone who possesses a charismatic characteristic who is viewed as superhuman with godly powers. These individuals are perceived as being from “divine origins,” or prophets, resulting in others feeling the need to worship them as leaders (Weber 325). This type of authority is unique from the others as it focuses more on how followers view the leader. Important qualities of this type of authority is devotion, trust, and worship. Charisma, however, is not the basis of legitimization. This basis is actually the idea that the subjects of this authority are responsible for recognizing the charismatic authenticity and acting appropriately. From this notion, followers must give complete and utter devotion to the authority which is regarded as charismatic. If the authority fails at helping their followers, or if they lose their “powers” or wisdom, then the charismatic authority will vanish. A group influenced by charismatic authority is called a charismatic community. The administrative staff are in no way trained for the position but are instead chosen based on their charismatic qualities. Charisma must be displayed alongside the authority’s charisma. Charisma is not related to economics, and instead suggests a “call,” “mission,” or “spiritual duty” (Weber 325). According to Weber, charisma can cause revolutionary changes by altering opinions and attitudes of people who possess it. Weber believes that traditional and charismatic forms of authority make up most of the dramatic changes in the world.

The relationships of the individuals among the charismatic authoritative group, the relationships are “strictly personal,” and based on charismatic standards (Weber 326). For charismatic authority to work, the leader must become traditionalized or rationalized or a mix of both. Routinization can improve communal living and better faith and enthusiasm, which means they will be open to devoting their life to charismatic authority. Weber stresses that charismatic authority can only work if the group can be provided for economically in some way to raise taxes and contributions. Likewise, in rational authority, vassals, officials and so on are different from tax payers. Despite all it’s benefits, routinization isn’t a perfect concept as throughout history it has been known to cause conflict and issues.

Citations:

1. Weber, Max. 1914. “The Types of Legitimate Domination.” Calhoun et. al. Classical Sociological Theory. Wiley-Blackwell.

2. Image: https://www.napoleon.org/en/history-of-the-two-empires/paintings/portrait-of-otto-von-bismarck-in-1870-photograph/