Types of legitimate power proposed by Weber

Weber believed that there are three types of legitimate power accepted by society:

(1) Traditional power. This power is based on a claim to the sanctity of custom and ancient tradition. This is a power exercised by a clan leader or tribal leader. The obedience of subjects or tribesmen is based on recognition and respect for sacred customs.

(2) Personal charisma power. This is power based on the personal cult of a heroic figure or a person with god-given qualities. The maintenance of charismatic power lies in its "unparalleled divine power" that can make followers or believers convinced (or continue to be convinced) of themselves. To do this, he must often make heroic moves and constantly create miracles, which is difficult to do in daily management. Charismatic power arises out of turmoil and crisis and collapses in the management of daily affairs under conditions of stable order and in attempts to institutionalize such power. Therefore, charismatic power cannot be used as the basis for a stable system of political rule.

(3) Legal power. This type of power is based on a belief in the "legitimation" of standard rule patterns, or in the power of those who are elevated to a position of command in accordance with standard rules. It is submission to the authority of an office or status determined by law. Only legal-type power can become the basis of a bureaucratic organization, because this kind of power has the following characteristics:

1, provides a basis for the continuity of management, because power is given to positions rather than individuals, so the use of power will not be interrupted due to the replacement of leaders.

2. Reasonability. Personnel holding positions are selected based on the abilities required to complete the tasks.

3. Leaders can use legal means to ensure the exercise of power.

4. All powers are clearly defined and divided in detail according to the functions necessary for the organization's tasks.

Legal basis:

"Politics as a Profession"

Part Three

Three formal forms of political domination and authority: charismatic domination (family and religion), traditional authority (suzerainty, patriarchy, feudalism), and bureaucratic domination (modern law and state, bureaucracy).