Abstract
The central point involved in social phenomenon of authority can be regarded as the social relation of giving and received directions between leader and follower, that is, 'authority relation'. Compared with other social phenomena, what are the peculiarities of authority phenomenon?
This study examines this problem by clarifying three viewpoints : (1) the peculiarities of authority relation, (2) the mechanism of accepting directions, (3) the changing process of authority with regard to the follower's self-direction.
Through the discussion of the above-mentioned viewpoints, we have showed the conclusion as follows. (1) The peculiarities of authority relation consist of follower's dependence upon the authority resources and leader, leader's non-hope of accepting directions, and leader's non -sanction against follower's refusal. As the result of these peculiarities, follower holds reverence for leader. (2) The mechanism of accepting directions functions through the role changes between the follower who refuses the direction or tries to leave authority relation, and the other followers who hold reverence and punish the follower in question within the group or circle of followers. (3) The changing process of authority phenomenon causes when the follower, who is discontent with the direction appeals to other followers, with the result that the conflict between the follower's hopes causes in the mechanism of accepting directions.
