Organizational Dilemmas in Voluntary Associations

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. Dilemm...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of public administration 2005-01, Vol.28 (9-10), p.849-856
Main Authors: Jonsson, Gun, Zakrisson, Ingrid
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Associations
democracy
dilemmas
Nonprofit Organizations
Oligarchy
Organizational Culture
Organizational Structure
Political behavior
Psychology
Psykologi
SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP
SOCIAL SCIENCES
Socialvetenskap
Studies
voluntary associations
Volunteers
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0190-0692
1532-4265
1532-4265
DOI:10.1081/PAD-200067373