ABSTRACT
Max Weber was a German sociologist who while being recognized as the “founder of sociology” as a field of study, also had a profound impact on the field of public administration with his theories on leadership, an “ideal” bureaucracy, and the behavior of bureaucrats within his envisioned system. Additionally, Weber's studies broadened into religion and economics and his influence lives on today throughout all these fields. With respect to public administration, Weber developed three “ideal types” of authority figures: traditional, charismatic, and legal rations, all of which set to explain why individuals follow those who hold various positions of leadership. Additionally, Weber defined an “ideal type” of structure and actions that would maximize the output of a bureaucratic organization. While this too is not a description of reality (then or now), these characteristics are still used today to determine what could occur to improve functionality within a bureaucratic setting.
