Which principle suggests that democratic organizations will eventually become bureaucracies ruled by a select few?

The Iron Law of Oligarchy posits that in any organization, democratic or otherwise, a small group of leaders will inevitably gain control and power. This principle, introduced by sociologist Robert Michels, suggests that as organizations grow, the need for centralized decision-making leads to a concentration of power among a few individuals. This transition often occurs because of the complexities involved in managing large groups, which necessitate a hierarchical structure to maintain efficiency and purpose.

In practice, this means that even institutions designed to be democratic tend to develop an oligarchic structure over time, where the leadership is comprised of a select few who dominate the decision-making process. The implications of this theory highlight how democratic ideals can be undermined by the inherent inefficiencies in large organizational systems, leading to a disconnect between leadership and the larger membership.

The other concepts presented do not directly address the dynamics of power and hierarchy within organizations in the same way. Power Elite Theory discusses the influence of a small group on broader societal decisions but doesn’t specifically address organizational structure. Social Stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals into social categories, and Groupthink involves consensus-seeking behavior that can lead to poor decision-making, not necessarily a concentration of power in the hands of a few. Thus