The Iron Law of Oligarchy is
a political concept devised by Robert Michaels
, a German sociologist. It states that formalized bureaucracies inevitably become led by a small group of self-serving leaders–that is, the power and responsibility necessary in a formal organization eventually leads to oligarchy.
What is the iron law of oligarchy in sociology quizlet?
Iron law of oligarchy.
a principle of organizational life under which even a democratic organization will eventually develop into a bureaucracy ruled by a few individuals
.
master status
.
a status that dominates others and thereby determines a person’s general position in society
.
Which of the following defines the iron law of oligarchy?
The “iron law of oligarchy” states that all forms of organization, regardless of how democratic they may be at the start, will eventually and inevitably develop oligarchic tendencies, thus making true democracy practically and theoretically impossible, especially in large groups and complex organizations.
Which best describes the iron law of oligarchy quizlet?
Terms in this set (22) What BEST describes the “iron law of oligarchy?”
As a result of their efficiency, bureaucracies have few, if any, flaws
. … Once a bureaucracy meets its intended goals, it usually breaks up.
What are the characteristics of bureaucracies according to sociologist Max Weber’s theoretical model ?’?
Answer: Max Weber defined the six characteristics of bureaucracy as a
formal hierarchical structure, management by rules, division of labor, achivement-focused advancement, efficient organization and impersonality
.
What are some examples of oligarchy?
Three of the most well-known countries with oligarchies are
Russia, China, and Iran
. Other examples are Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and apartheid-era South Africa. Some critics would call the U.S. an oligarchy as well.
What is elitist theory of democracy?
The theory posits that a small minority, consisting of members of the economic elite and policy-planning networks, holds the most power—and that this power is independent of democratic elections. …
Which is the weakness of bureaucracies quizlet?
a weakness of bureaucracies is that
their formal structure tends to create feelings of alienation among employees
. for example an “outsider”.
What is the Peter Principle quizlet?
The Peter principle is a concept in management theory formulated by Laurence J. Peter and published in 1969. The theory is that
the selection of a candidate for a position is based on the candidate’s performance in their current role, rather than on abilities relevant to the intended role
.
A disability is an example of a social identity that shapes a person’s life. … Ideally, when people interact with one another their behavior corresponds to the particular roles they are playing. The socially determined behaviors expected of a person performing a role are called role expectations.
What are the 5 characteristics of bureaucracies?
- Specialization. Specialized Duties.
- Hierarchy. Hierarchical system of authority.
- Formality. Formalize set rules and procedures.
- Record-keeping. Written records kept routinely.
- Professionalization. A permanent competent staff.
What is true about a caste system?
The caste system
divides Hindus into four main categories
– Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras. Many believe that the groups originated from Brahma, the Hindu God of creation. … The main castes were further divided into about 3,000 castes and 25,000 sub-castes, each based on their specific occupation.
What are some weaknesses in bureaucracies?
- Very less or often no space for creativeness or innovative inputs into the system.
- Highly rigid decision making system. …
- There is a severe lack of empathy or rationality.
- The origination is highly regulated by set rules and regulations.
What are the principles of Max Weber?
Max Weber’s principles of bureaucracy, defines the Bureaucracy theory and what it stands to archive within organizations. Bureaucratic principles which include;
hierarchy, job specialization, division of labor, formal rules, procedures, equality, and recruitment on merit
.
What are the two types of bureaucracy?
Two types of bureaucracy:
Enabling and coercive
.
What are the four main functions of bureaucracy?
Bureaucracies have four key characteristics:
a clear hierarchy, specialization, a division of labor
, and a set of formal rules, or standard operating procedures. America’s bureaucracy performs three primary functions to help the government run smoothly.
