Answer:
Leaders obtain power through charismatic authority, traditional continuance, or rational-legal systems. Charismatic leaders often arise during crises and can inspire followers deeply, while traditional authority is rooted in heritage and rational-legal authority in structured laws and rules.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of power given to a leader by her or his followers is often based on a combination of charismatic authority, tradition, and rational-legal principles. Followers are drawn to charismatic leaders due to their dynamic personal qualities, which can inspire confidence and obedience even in hard times or in the face of significant challenges. Traditionally, authority can come from heredity or long-held customs that grant leaders power through succession or historical legitimacy. Meanwhile, rational-legal authority is derived from structured, codified laws and regulations, such as those found in a nation's constitution or an organization's rules.
For instance, charismatic leaders emerge during crises and may engineer radical changes or offer a new vision for society. An example of this is Hitler's rise during Germany's postwar economic depression. Yet, such leaders can be as likely to be tyrannical as they are heroic, underscoring the complex nature of charismatic leadership. Conversely, traditional authority is based on historical continuity, with power passed on through lineage or legacy, while rational-legal authority resides in a system of codified norms and procedures rather than a single leader's personality.