Describe the iron law of oligarchy, and explain why bureaucratic hierarchies and oligarchies go hand in hand

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

According to political sociologist Michels, all organizations encounter the iron law of

oligarchy—the tendency to become a bureaucracy ruled by the few. His central idea

was that those who control bureaucracies not only wield power but also have an

interest in retaining their power. Power may be concentrated in the hands of a few

people because rank-and-file members must inevitably delegate a certain amount of

decision-making authority to their leaders. Leaders then have access to information

that other members do not have. They also have "clout," which they may use to

protect their own interests, sometimes at the expense of the interests of others.

Oligarchy may also result when individuals have certain outstanding qualities that make

it possible for them to manage, if not control, others. The members choose to look to

their leaders for direction? the leaders are strongly motivated to maintain their power

and privileges.