Acceptance Theory of Authority
- Theory / Concept Name
- Acceptance Theory of Authority
- Description
Chester Barnard — Acceptance Theory of Authority
Chester Barnard (1886–1961) argued that authority does not flow downward from owners or boards but upward from subordinates who choose to accept it.
Zone of Indifference
Each person has a zone of indifference — a range of instructions they will follow without question. Orders within this zone are obeyed; orders outside it are resisted.
Conditions for Acceptance (all four conditions must be met)
- The subordinate understands the communication.
- The subordinate believes it is consistent with the organisation's purpose.
- The subordinate believes it is compatible with their personal interests.
- The subordinate is mentally and physically able to comply.
Cooperative Systems
Barnard viewed organisations as cooperative systems where the primary role of management is to maintain a system of communication and secure the essential contributions of individuals through incentives and persuasion.
Major work: The Functions of the Executive (1938)
- Theorist / Pioneer
- Chester Barnard
- Year
- 1938
- Category
- Neo-Classical