Organizational dilemmas in voluntary associations
By: JONSSON, Gun
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Contributor(s): ZAKRISSON, Ingrid.
Material type: 
ArticlePublisher: Philadelphia : Routledge, 2005International Journal of Public Administration - IJPA 28, 9-10, p. 849 - 856 Abstract: Robert Michels stated that all democratic organizations sooner or later end up as ruled by the few. But are there certain dilemmas forcing organizations more or less easily into the oligarchic path? In the interview material from six small voluntary associations such dilemmas were identified. Dilemmas seemed to arise regarding representativeness and competence among leaders, handling of external forces, interpretation of goals, and maintaining commitment. Some of the dilemmas were implicit, some were more explicitly acknowledged. It is concluded that the iron law of oligarchy is avoidable, if the organization becomes aware of these dilemmas.
Robert Michels stated that all democratic organizations sooner or later end up as ruled by the few. But are there certain dilemmas forcing organizations more or less easily into the oligarchic path? In the interview material from six small voluntary associations such dilemmas were identified. Dilemmas seemed to arise regarding representativeness and competence among leaders, handling of external forces, interpretation of goals, and maintaining commitment. Some of the dilemmas were implicit, some were more explicitly acknowledged. It is concluded that the iron law of oligarchy is avoidable, if the organization becomes aware of these dilemmas.
Volume 28
Number 9-10
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