The elite question - Toward a normative elite theory of organization

This article reviews different theoretical perspectives on elite theory, ra ises the long neglected elite question as a central issue in the analysis o f power structure in modern organizations, and offers, for the first time, a normative elite theory of organization that is both descriptive and presc riptive and that has predictive as well as prescriptive powers. Noting the deficiencies of the traditional theories of organization premised on instru mental rationality and void of normative dimensions of politics and power s tructure, the article stresses the need for research in the neglected area of organizational elite to understand better and predict organizational beh avior for the elites and nonelites, especially in the age of rapid structur al changes that affect billions of people around the globe. Discussions cov er the concept and assumptions of organizational elite, the macro and micro levels of organizational elite analysts, the concept of organizational eli te cohesion, and the significance and implications of the theory of organiz ational elite to organization theory and behavior in modern society.