ABSTRACT
An examination of the administrative procedures in communal settlements points to conspicuous elements of authoritarian leadership. A historical review shows that most communes set out under a charismatic leader. Members of religious communes drew spiritual strength from their charismatic leader and therefore became dependent on him. In most cases the members of the commune welcomed this centralized authority because they were fed up with the discussions and strife and were anxious to have an efficient manager. The communes remained open, voluntary societies whose members had the option to leave and to return to the outside world. One of the main aspirations of all communes was to achieve an inner harmony, one that would ensue from their shared belief and doctrine. Communal life demanded a strong personal involvement of its members. The socialist communes advocated religious pluralism; most had members of various denominations. The religious communes started out with a covenant and all members agreed to adhere to its tenets.
