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In order to understand Weber’s theories on authority structures, you must first understand how he defines domination and authority. Domination is the likelihood that a group of individuals will obey commands. Legitimate domination is authority (Weber, 125). There are three bases of authority: traditional, rational and charismatic (Weber, 125). For each of the three types described, the strength of a leader’s authority rests on the belief of the followers. Without the support of followers, the leader would have no authority. Traditional authority is legitimized on the foundation of customs and traditions. The followers of this type of authority believe in age old rules and adhere to them religiously. Rational authority allows an individual in that position of authority to enact laws, rules and issue commands (Weber, 125). Finally, charismatic authority is the result of the devotion of the masses to an individual that is supernatural or possesses exceptional qualities (Weber, 125). Weber defined charisma differently than others. A charismatic individual doesn’t have to possess any exceptional or outstanding qualities; their followers just have to believe they do. This means that a regular joe can be considered a charismatic leader as long as their disciples consider them to be charismatic (125).
An example of a charismatic authority in American society is the sensationalized TV host of daytime television; from Tyra Banks, Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz and finally Oprah Winfrey. All of these individuals have a loyal following from their viewers. None of the hosts, to my knowledge, have any super powers or superhuman capabilities. Yet, their viewers value their opinions and some religiously follow their health and lifestyle recommendations. The viewer’s belief in the host’s supreme knowledge and their devotion to their shows makes the hosts charismatic leaders. This is especially evident through The Oprah Winfrey Show. The show had been on the air for over two decades, and recently (with much disappointment from the public) finished its last season. Oprah is considered to be one of the most influential women in society. Her support for a health fad, book, president or any product has a booming effect in the social and economic realms. The effect has even been coined the “oprah effect” by CNBC. The show The Oprah Effect exposes the great influence Oprah’s support for a product has on the success of a product. If Oprah has a “favorite thing” or endorses a product by giving it out to her audience, the sales of the product skyrocket. The viewers of Oprah’s show and the readers of her magazine value her opinion and revere her as having some exceptional wisdom. They assign to her the role of being a charismatic leader and give her status as an authority figure in society.
Another day time host who has a highly valued opinion is Doctor Mehet Oz. He actually got his start as Oprah’s health segment, and if Oprah trusts him: he’s got to be the real deal. Dr. Oz has since branched off into a wildly successful show The Doctor Oz Show in which he helps to dispel and bring awareness to health issues, diet fads and so on. A lot of his viewers follow his advice and look to him for health guidance. His website has an “Ask Oz” section where viewers can post questions for him and other health professionals. While Dr. Oz is a cardiothoracic surgeon, he is not super doctor. Viewers give Doctor Oz a position of authority by supporting and following his health recommendations. His name is held in such high regard that products with Dr. Oz’s name and or picture associated with it, quickly become hot commodities in the health and fitness realm. Recently on Dr. Oz’s show, he held an entire segment on dispelling the false endorsements and has pursued lawsuits in the past against companies. Even with attempts to kibosh the false endorsements, Doctor Oz remains a charismatic authority figure and is given authority by his viewers who believe that he has extraordinary health knowledge.
In sum, the public gives charismatic authority to daytime TV hosts such as Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Oz. Both are seemingly ordinary, a Communications major who worked in radio and television and a cardiothoracic surgeon, and yet they have acquired a loyal following of individuals who believe they are exceptional. Without the support of their viewers, Oprah and Dr. Oz would have no authority in society and their opinions would not be so highly regarded.
Link to video:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/29961298/The_Oprah_Effecthttp://www.cnbc.com/id/29961298/The_Oprah_Effect
Link to website:
http://www.doctoroz.com/
An example of a charismatic authority in American society is the sensationalized TV host of daytime television; from Tyra Banks, Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz and finally Oprah Winfrey. All of these individuals have a loyal following from their viewers. None of the hosts, to my knowledge, have any super powers or superhuman capabilities. Yet, their viewers value their opinions and some religiously follow their health and lifestyle recommendations. The viewer’s belief in the host’s supreme knowledge and their devotion to their shows makes the hosts charismatic leaders. This is especially evident through The Oprah Winfrey Show. The show had been on the air for over two decades, and recently (with much disappointment from the public) finished its last season. Oprah is considered to be one of the most influential women in society. Her support for a health fad, book, president or any product has a booming effect in the social and economic realms. The effect has even been coined the “oprah effect” by CNBC. The show The Oprah Effect exposes the great influence Oprah’s support for a product has on the success of a product. If Oprah has a “favorite thing” or endorses a product by giving it out to her audience, the sales of the product skyrocket. The viewers of Oprah’s show and the readers of her magazine value her opinion and revere her as having some exceptional wisdom. They assign to her the role of being a charismatic leader and give her status as an authority figure in society.
Another day time host who has a highly valued opinion is Doctor Mehet Oz. He actually got his start as Oprah’s health segment, and if Oprah trusts him: he’s got to be the real deal. Dr. Oz has since branched off into a wildly successful show The Doctor Oz Show in which he helps to dispel and bring awareness to health issues, diet fads and so on. A lot of his viewers follow his advice and look to him for health guidance. His website has an “Ask Oz” section where viewers can post questions for him and other health professionals. While Dr. Oz is a cardiothoracic surgeon, he is not super doctor. Viewers give Doctor Oz a position of authority by supporting and following his health recommendations. His name is held in such high regard that products with Dr. Oz’s name and or picture associated with it, quickly become hot commodities in the health and fitness realm. Recently on Dr. Oz’s show, he held an entire segment on dispelling the false endorsements and has pursued lawsuits in the past against companies. Even with attempts to kibosh the false endorsements, Doctor Oz remains a charismatic authority figure and is given authority by his viewers who believe that he has extraordinary health knowledge.
In sum, the public gives charismatic authority to daytime TV hosts such as Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Oz. Both are seemingly ordinary, a Communications major who worked in radio and television and a cardiothoracic surgeon, and yet they have acquired a loyal following of individuals who believe they are exceptional. Without the support of their viewers, Oprah and Dr. Oz would have no authority in society and their opinions would not be so highly regarded.
Link to video:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/29961298/The_Oprah_Effecthttp://www.cnbc.com/id/29961298/The_Oprah_Effect
Link to website:
http://www.doctoroz.com/