Traditional Authority
Traditional authority is a form of leadership based on established customs, practices, and social structures. It often arises in societies where power is inherited or passed down through generations, such as in monarchies or tribal systems. Leaders in these systems, like kings or chiefs, derive their legitimacy from longstanding traditions and cultural norms rather than formal laws or democratic processes.
In traditional authority, the community typically respects and follows the leader due to their historical role and the cultural significance of their position. This type of authority emphasizes loyalty, respect for heritage, and the importance of maintaining social order through established customs, making it distinct from other forms of governance like legal-rational authority.