Weber and Charisma

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Weber and Charisma
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What is Authority?

• the probability that specific commands will be
  obeyed by a set group of subordinates.
• Includes a minimal willingness of the
  subordinated to obey. When this is achieved,
  domination has become authority.

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Types of Legitimate Authority

• Rational based on common allegiance to the
  legality of rules and the legal right of rulers
• Traditional rests on the common belief in the
  sanctity of existing traditions
• Charismatic rests on uncommon devotion and
  emotional attachment to the sanctity, heroism or
  personality of an extraordinary individual

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What is Charisma?

• Charisma is the gift of gracean uncommon
  quality of individual personality recognized by
  believers in the power.
• A charismatic individual might be seen as having
  extraordinary or super-human powers.
• A charismatic leader may be a religious prophet,
  a military hero or a political genius.

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How Does Charisma Work?

• Charismatic qualities must be recognized by the
  ruled and it demands willing submission.
• Charismatic domination is secured through
  emotional communal integration. The system
  reflects the will and preferences of the leader.
• Pure charisma is alien to rational calculation
  and economic reasoning.
• Charismatic authority can be a revolutionary
  force. It can overturn both traditional and
  legal-rational social orders with its great
  emotional appeal. It breaks through routines and
  customs.
• Charismatic authority is unstable

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Discussion Questions

• Where does charisma come from and how can it
  impact social change?
• How can charisma be studied scientifically?
• What are some past and contemporary examples of
  charismatic authority?

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Forms of Routinization

• What are some ways that charisma might be
  routinized?
• Charismatic leader chosen based on certain
  criteria
• Charismatic leader chosen by revelation
• Charismatic leader designates successor
• Charismatic administrative staff designates
  successor
• Charisma is transmitted through blood-line
• Charisma is transferred using ritualistic means
• Transfer of charisma to the office itself
• Transfer of charisma to a sacred text
• Others?

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