Final answer:
Formal individual power is the recognized authority based on an individual's official position, structured by society's laws and rules. Max Weber described three types of authority: traditional, charismatic, and rational-legal, each legitimizing power in different ways.
Step-by-step explanation:
Formal Individual Power and Types of Authority
Formal individual power refers to the legitimate power that an individual holds due to their official position within a structured organization or governance system. This power is recognized by society and is typically defined by written rules, laws, or regulations. Sociologist Max Weber identified and described three types of authority that formalize individual power, which are:
- Traditional authority: This type of power is legitimized on the basis of long-standing customs.
- Charismatic authority: This power comes from an individual's extraordinary personal qualities that inspire loyalty and devotion.
- Rational-legal authority: Power that is legitimized by laws, written rules, and regulations and is anchored in a structured set of principles or system.
Understanding these types of authority is important for recognizing how different leadership structures operate within societies and institutions.