Sociology Plus
Imperative Coordination Definition
Imperative coordination is presented as one possible translation of Max Weber’s concept of Herrschaft. While less common than the term ‘domination’, this phrasing better captures Weber’s notion regarding the probability that a command will be obeyed. It is specifically contrasted with power (Macht), which denotes an actor’s ability to ensure their will prevails despite resistance from others.
Theoretical Context
The distinction between imperative coordination and power highlights a fundamental difference in social control: one relates to the expected compliance of commands, while the other concerns the capacity to enforce one’s will against opposition.
Related Concepts
Weber further explored the idea of domination that was accepted as legitimate through the term ‘legitime Herrschaft’, which Talcott Parsons later translated as ‘authority’.