A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The answer is rational-legal authority, which is characterized by a system of rules and procedures that are formally established and legally recognized. In a bureaucratic context, a bureaucrat monitoring financial transactions operates within a structured framework of regulations and formalized authority. This type of power derives legitimacy from established laws and procedures rather than personal attributes or traditional customs.

Rational-legal authority emphasizes the importance of rules and regulations that dictate how organizations and societies function. Bureaucrats are expected to act based on these legal frameworks, ensuring accountability and adherence to the law in their duties, such as monitoring financial transactions. This form of authority contrasts sharply with charismatic power, which is based on an individual’s personal qualities, and traditional authority, which is rooted in long-standing customs and practices. Symbolic power refers to the influence that comes from the meanings assigned to symbols, which does not align with the structured nature of bureaucratic monitoring.