...Religion and the Economy Max Weber postulates in his book “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism” the hypothesis that the work ethic derived from the Protestant religion that gives rise to modern capitalism. Weber supports his argument with the use of statistical studies showing that the predominantly Protestant regions are more successful than of the Catholic regions in Germany due to the concentration of a highly educated and skilled workforce, and the concept of “worldly asceticism” that encouraged capital reinvestment. And while, the connection between human and social capital as an expansionary force in output production is well established in economic theory (Adam Smith, Karl Marx, the Chicago School of Economics, and others); the hypothesis advanced by Max Weber that this skilled workforce is the direct consequence of the Protestantism ideal of “worldly vocation” ignores the rise of the trade unions from the medieval guild system as indicated by Lujo Brentano. Furthermore, many of these trade unions promoted nepotism and were discriminatory excluding Catholics from their ranks, the consequence of Bismarck’s policy of “Kulturkampf” that reduced the power of the Catholic Church in public affairs, and kept the Poles under control during the 1870s. As for his assertion of capital reinvestment as fundamental to the Protestant ethos; it is more likely that this reinvestment of capital came as a result of the population growth experienced during the first half of...
Words: 392 - Pages: 2
...MAX WEBER Weber asks why certain developments occurred in Western civilization, which did not occur elsewhere, but which had universal significance, that is these developments affected much of the rest of the world. He says that science in India was well developed, but the method of experimentation was not used. In non-Western societies, historical scholarship existed, but it was not systematic. Western law, or rational jurisprudence, was Roman in origin. The subject of Weber's investigation is capitalism, and Weber defines this as more than just an impulse to acquisition, because even this impulse exists among physicians, noblemen, soldiers, gamblers, and so on (p. 17). For Weber, capitalism is more likely to "be identical with the restraint, or at least a rational tempering, of this irrational impulse. But capitalism is identical with the pursuit of profit, and forever renewed profit, by means of continuous, rational, capitalistic enterprise"(p.17). For Weber, rationality in the form of using balances, and the development of a monetary system, with measurement in money, is part of this. Rational, capitalistic acquisition is the systematic use of goods and services so that the balance at the end exceeds the capital originally invested. Weber also showed that a rational or systematic approach to economic activity means that that economic actors consider which of the several different possible courses of action they will take. Each course of action has consequences, either...
Words: 683 - Pages: 3
...Spirit of Capitalism Name: Institutional Affiliation: Date: Max Weber through his book The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism seeks to give a vivid picture on the religious dogmas contribution to the proliferation of capitalism in the modern society. In essence, Weber argues that the Protestants doctrines facilitated the rise of new social order that was heavily capitalistic. He highlights the use of religion to impose and develop the common standards in the society. Religion is exposed as a driver to the economic model adopted in the modern civilized society. For instance, Weber notes that; "Now naturally the whole ascetic literature of almost all denominations is saturated within the idea that faithful labor, even at low wages, on the part of those whom life offers no other opportunities, is highly pleasing to God. In his respect Protestant Asceticism added in itself nothing new. But it not only deepened this idea most powerfully, it also created the force which was alone decisive for its effectiveness: the psychological sanction of it through the conception of this labour as a calling, as the best, often in the last analysis the only means of attaining certainty of grace. ... The treatment of labour as a calling became as characteristics of the modern worker as the corresponding attitude towards acquisition of the businessman." (Weber, & Parsons, 2005,p 121). In the quoted section of the book, Weber seeks to clear understanding on the way religion has been used...
Words: 1018 - Pages: 5
...بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم Sudan Academy of Science MBA Program Principles of Management Assay about: Positive contribution of Henry Fayol & Max Weber on the Management thought Prepared by: Nuha Mohamed Saeed - Batch 15 Henri Fayol: the Administrative Theory: Henri Fayol developed the Administrative Theory. While Weber emphasized the principles of an ideal bureaucratic organization, Fayol concentrated on the management layer. He focused on the personal duties of a manager at a much finer level than Weber did. Fayol stated that management had five principle roles: * Planning, meant anticipating the future and acting towards it * Organizing, meant the development of resources, both capital and human * Commanding, meant keeping the processes of the business running. * Coordinating, meant syncing the group’s efforts in the best possible way. * Controlling, meant that all the above activities were done according to appropriate rules and procedures. Fayol created 14 principles of administration to go along with these five goals. 1. Division of work: work is divided according to skill and technical expertise; each item of work be given to the employee most qualified for it 2. Authority and responsibility: Fayol defined authority as 'the right to give orders and the power to exact obedience.' He emphasized the importance of linking authority to responsibility. 3. Discipline: obedience and behavior of respect. 4. Unity of command: an employee should receive orders...
Words: 553 - Pages: 3
...Max Weber “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism” Max Webers “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism” is an analysis as to the relationship between the emergence of the spirit of capitalism in the west and the ethics of Calvinism. He argues that Calvinism catalysed this creation of the capitalist spirit. His study arose when he asked himself why capitalism had emerged out of Western Europe before anywhere else in the world, even though the economic conditions seemed identical in many of these places. In this essay I will argue that this relationship between the two isn’t as paramount as Weber suggests, and in fact may be completely arbitrary. I believe this for a number of reasons including the distorting effect Webers use of a “ideal type” has and the fact that some areas where Calvinism was practiced heavily Capitalism developed a lot later in, while others with no Calvinist beliefs still did develop Capitalism. Weber starts his analyse looking at the intrinsic relationship between religion and business. He emphasises how sect membership is a sign that you are trustworthy and will be a good business partner, as admission to one of these congregations only happens after a careful probation, where your conduct, back to early childhood, is assessed and checked for any kind of frivolity. Admission therefore is a guarantee of the moral qualities of someone, it is a badge of honour showing you have those qualities that are required in business matters...
Words: 1590 - Pages: 7
...For Karl Marx, the stratification of social classes was the most significant source of societal conflict. Max Weber's definition of social class differs most notably from Marx's conception of the term in the sense that for Weber, social class and political class cannot simply be lumped together as a single entity. (Humanities) Weber viewed and defined social and political realms separately in an attempt to put emphasis on the unique dynamic that power possesses in its own right, apart from economic interests. Moreover, he wanted to highlight the irrational features of power by making it clear that the rational interests of a class are not sufficient to explain the dynamics of society, particularly when comparing one society to another. (Humanities). Marx has a much more optimistic view of conflict theory than Weber. Where Marx would say the proletariat have revolution as an ultimate recourse, Weber says we're screwed pretty much regardless. Marx does not consider inequality to be inevitable (not the natural product of human interaction, so man is not naturally flawed) and the major tenants of Marxism are towards a Better, more Just society (prescriptive goal of social science). Weber, on the other hand, distrusted human nature and saw inequality as inevitable. Our analysis of human interaction, in his opinion, should be value-free and non-prescriptive given such a nature In today's sociology, we tend to see the same three factors, although Marxist sociologists still emphasize...
Words: 526 - Pages: 3
...varley@nuigalway.ie Course Description: The classical sociological tradition has been heavily dominated by the writings of Marx, Weber and Durkheim. Each of these three theorists has carved out a distinctive approach to the study of society and, in the process, has contributed substantially to our understanding of the transition from pre-modern to modern society. There are many who would argue that the ideas of these three classical figures continue to have much to offer to an understanding of contemporary society and politics. There are several possible ways to study the ideas of Marx, Weber and Durkheim. In this course we will attempt to take a thematic and comparative approach by comparing the views of Marx, Weber and Durkheim on a number of central topics. We will look therefore at their ideas concerning the methods appropriate to the study of society, their views on class and the division of labour, on democratic politics and the state and on culture, religion and ideology. Our discussion will begin with a consideration of what a ‘classical’ tradition might look like in the social sciences; and of why Marx, Weber and Durkheim merit inclusion as the most significant members within such a tradition. For a fuller appreciation of the classical tradition in social theory there is no substitute for a reading of the original writings of Marx, Durkheim and Weber. As these writings are very extensive, we will rely on a number of commentaries – principally those by Morrison and Giddens...
Words: 2278 - Pages: 10
...the development of capitalism in the modern world. After reading Werner’s work, German sociologist Max Weber, one of the founding creators of sociology, seized upon Werner’s idea and set out to explain the origins of this spirit of capitalism. Weber’s visit to America, the heart and soul of capitalism, in 1904 brought him his answer. While in America, Weber observes that matters of business are very closely related to religious affiliation. This attitude manifests itself in many ways, but one example he provides is the story of a man’s visit to the doctor: “the patient’s statement of his church membership was merely to say: ‘Don’t worry about the fees’ (Gerth & Mills 1946, 304).” This, of course, meant that this man was financially sound, because he belonged to a specific church community. Weber explains: “Admission to the congregation is recognized as an absolute guarantee of the moral qualities of a gentleman, especially of those qualities required in business matters (Gerth & Mills, 305).” Essentially, in order to become a part of a religious sect, a man must prove his ability to productively participate in society, ensuring that he will not be a financial burden to others. The close ties Weber observes between religion and business in America lead him to believe that the origin of the spirit of capitalism could be found in the religion of its founders: Protestantism. Weber, among others, notes that there is a profound difference in...
Words: 1157 - Pages: 5
...Las investigaciones sociológicas de Max Weber sobre la relación entre el político y el científico son esenciales en Ciencia Política. Weber deja insinuado el tratamiento de dos campos diferentes de la acción humana que a nuestro juicio son: el político busca la verdad de clase y el científico la verdad objetiva; el primero defiende intereses de grupo o clase social y su arma teórica es la ideología y el segundo defiende integralidades conceptuales de la humanidad y su arma teórica es la ciencia. Lucaks recordó la definición de ideología como conciencia falsa de la realidad, falsa en el sentido que es sesgada por los intereses económicos principalmente del grupo o clase social que la sustenta. Contrariu sensu la definición de Ciencia podría enunciarse como conciencia cierta de la realidad, por ser objetiva, integral, independiente de los intereses económicos. Max Weber, el Político y el Científico Max Weber, (Efurt 1864 - Munich 1920), historiador y sociólogo alemán. Estudió economia, derecho y filosofia. Nacionalista y a la vez liberal, se opuso a la política de los epígonos de Bismarck y formó parte de la comisión redactora de la constitución de Weimar. Sus trabajos abarcan muchos aspectos y muy variados, y solamente de una manera parcial manifiestan las tensiones internas del autor y sus enfrentamientos con los utilitaristas, los marxistas y los historicistas. Preocupado por la influencia mutua de los intereses materiales i espirituales en la interacción de las clases...
Words: 689 - Pages: 3
...MAX WEBER The Emergence of Organization and Administrative Theory • Max Weber (1864-1920) – “Father of Bureaucracy” and the “Father of Organization Theory” • Bureaucracy – Literally means, “management by office or position” • Designed as a logical replacement for feudalistic patriarchal systems which are based on “management by person” • Weber said that of the three types of authority: 1. Traditional 2. Charismatic 3. Rational-legal • Of these, rational-legal has the continuity and competence necessary for bureaucracy • Weber identified seven elements of bureaucracy: Clearly defined division of labor, authority, and responsibility Clearly defined hierarchy of authority All employees selected because of competence determined via testing, background, and education Administrators are appointed, not elected Administrators work for fixed salaries and are career officials Administrators are not owners Administrators and employees are subject to strict formal rules, discipline, and controls uniformly applied In Weber’s eyes in order for a bureaucracy to function ideally it must have rationalization as its central concept. Rationalization is the substitution of rational and calculating motivators for emotional and traditional ones regarding behavior in a bureaucracy. Basically, “one can, in principle, master all things by calculation.” This quest for precision is what many tenets of modern capitalism such as accounting, centralization of production control, and...
Words: 350 - Pages: 2
...According to Weber, authority is power accepted as legitimate by those subjected to it. These three forms of authority are said to appear in a "hierarchical development order". States progress from charismatic authority, to traditional authority, and finally reach the state of rational-legal authority which is characteristic of a modern liberal democracy. However in this paper, we will try to agree with Max Weber’s statement that, legal – rational authority is the most rational type of authority, while giving reasons to our argument. In English, the word 'authority' can be used to mean power given by the state (in the form of Members of Parliament, Judges, Police Officers, etc.) or by academic knowledge of an area (someone can be an authority on a subject). The word "Authority" with capital "A”, refers to the governing body upon which such authority (with lower case "a") is vested ( Arendt, 1961: 53). However, authority is often used interchangeably in governments with the term "power". However, their meanings differ. Authority refers to a claim of legitimacy, the justification and right to exercise power (Spencer, 1970: 258). For example, while a mob has the power to punish a criminal, for example by lynching, people who believe in the rule of law consider that only a court of law to have the authority to order capital punishment. Max Weber, in his sociological and philosophical work, identified and distinguished three types of legitimate domination that have sometimes been rendered...
Words: 1986 - Pages: 8
...never been part of the Austrian School with which he was familiar with the teachings of Eugen von Böhm- Bawerk at the University of Vienna. The economist he admired most was undoubtedly Leon Walras , but his analysis goes beyond the neoclassical framework . He was also heavily influenced by the writings of the German sociologist Max Weber. And if he shared some conclusions with Karl Marx, his analysis was very far from Marxist economic designs. Is actually the founder of general economic evolutionism . It is therefore listed in the circle called "heterodox" economists. He believes that the foundation and spring dynamics of the economy are innovation and technical progress. The history of capitalism is a permanent moult. Technology evolves, turns pushing swathes of economic activity to wither and disappear after being dominant. Structural change is prior to quantitative. The purpose of this paper is to talk about the influence of Max Weber on Schumpeter’s thought,with respect to their central visions. Consequently, the connections between Schumpeter and Max Weber in this paper are regarded as being primarily substantive in nature. Max Weber...
Words: 1911 - Pages: 8
...Bureaucracy Observed (An Experience-Based Analysis) (An Experience-Based Analysis) Joshua A Ward University of Maryland University College Author’s Note This paper was prepared for MGMT 610 9045 Organizational Theory (2615), taught by Professor Matthews. According to German sociologist, political economist, administrative scholar, and historian Max Weber, bureaucracy is “a particular type of administrative structure developed through rational legal authority.” (Swanson, 2013) His six major principles have formed the foundation for understanding bureaucracy since their inception. They include the idea that a bureaucracy must consist of a formal hierarchical structure, i.e., each level controls the level below it and is controlled by the level above. Organization by functional specialty is key, work must be performed by specialists, and those specialists are organized into units based on the type of work they do of the skills they possess. Bureaucracy is purposely impersonal, with the major idea being that all employees and customers must and should be treated equally, with no organizational decision influenced or based on individual differences. Also, employment in a bureaucracy should be based primarily on technical qualifications, with the most consideration given to a potential employee who is most qualified, once again, without any consideration given to personal preference. From personal experience, the United States military is a prime example of bureaucracy...
Words: 1143 - Pages: 5
...MAX WEBER By: JD Mojica Life and career Max Weber was born on April 21, 1864, the eldest of seven children, and grew up in a cultured bourgeois household, ruled by a strong authoritarian father. At University in Heidelberg, Weber studied economics, medieval history and philosophy as well as law. A period of military service brought him under the care of his uncle, Hermann Baumgarten, a historian, and his wife. Both uncle and aunt acted as mentors to Weber, the former as a liberal who treated him as an intellectual peer, the latter as a person who impressed him with her deep sense of social responsibility towards her charitable work. Both offered a stark contrast to Weber's father, who treated his son with patronizing authoritarianism. It was probably during this formative period that Weber developed an aversion to the way people then most often gained positions of power and authority through nepotism and accident of birth - factors he considered were lacking in legitimacy. He started to think of ways to free the individual as much as possible from personal judgments or from judgments which were clouded by emotion or self-interest. After periods as a legal scholar at Heidelberg and then at the University of Berlin, Weber became professor of political economy, first at the University of Freiburg in 1894, and then at the University of Heidelberg in 1897. The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism was first published in 1904, and in 1919, Weber became Professor of Political...
Words: 990 - Pages: 4
...Drawing on Weber’s ideal type, critically consider the relevance of bureaucratic administration to the management of twenty-first century organizations. Max Weber was a German sociologist in the twentieth century; he was famous for his classical management theory. Weber classified three different types of authority, traditional, charismatic and legitimate authority. Traditional authority is based on traditions and customs that the leader has the legitimate right to use authority. Charismatic authority is the belief that the leader whose mission and visions will inspire others. Legitimate authority is based on formal, system of rules. In the 1930s, Weber introduced that the bureaucratic form as being the ideal way of organizing government agencies. This soon became popular in both the private and public sectors. Weber believes that the development of rational forms to be the most important characteristics in the development of Western society and capitalism. He considered the traditional and charismatic forms as irrational. Rationality is based on reasoning, calculation and logic. One of the many types of rationality includes the formal rationality. The notion of formal rationality is important to the emergence of industrial capitalism as capitalism values reason, calculation and precision, science and logic. Formal rationality is a form of rationality that characterizes bureaucratic organizations. Bureaucracy refers to the execution of tasks that are governed by official administrative...
Words: 1708 - Pages: 7
