The "iron law of oligarchy" is a principle
A)of organizational life according to which even democratic organizations will become bureaucracies ruled by a few individuals.
B)under which organizations are established on the basis of common interests.
C)of organizational life according to which each individual in a hierarchy tends to rise to his or her level of incompetence.
D)under which organizations are created to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The "iron law of oligarchy" is a principle that suggests that even organizations that start out democratic will eventually become ruled by a few individuals or an oligarchy. This is because decision-making becomes more efficient when a few people are in charge, and over time these individuals may consolidate their power and become entrenched in their positions. The principle is named "iron" because it seems to be an inevitable part of organizational life, rather than a mere possibility.

The "Iron Law of Oligarchy" Is a Principle