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The Officer Corps: A Fusion of Profession and Organization

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 July 2009

Jacques van Doorn
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Extract

In modern societies profession and formal organization are the most important institutional patterns controlling occupational and administrative decisions and actions. They have many characteristics in common. To use Parsons' pattern variables: in both cases we find universal standards, specificity of expertness, and affective neutrality (I). Bureaucratic as well as professional authority is based on special knowledge and skill (Fachwissen) and may be characterized as functional authority (2). Both professional and bureaucratic status are achieved, not ascribed positions.

Type
Armed Forces and Society in Western Europe
Information
European Journal of Sociology / Archives Européennes de Sociologie , Volume 6 , Issue 2 , November 1965 , pp. 262 - 282
Copyright
Copyright © Archives Européenes de Sociology 1965

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References

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(59) van Doorn, J. A. A., De Krijgsmacht als Maatschappelijke Factor, Orgaan van de Vereniging ter Beoefening van de Krijgswetenschap, 1963–1964, Ie Aflevering, pp. 4–14.Google Scholar

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