Charismatic authority will be discussed in depth here, but a reference to the other types is necessary for comparison. Legal-rational authority is based on systemized norms, usually written, and the person who has such authority does so because he occupies a position that grants him authority based on these systemized norms of the social structure. Most major social institutions such as government and schools implement legal rational authority. Traditional authority is based on longstanding beliefs and practices of who should be considered authoritative. Many religious leaders, parents and spouses subscribe to this type of authority.
Charismatic authority is based on attributions given to an individual by the society.
These attributes are seen as not possessed by the ordinary person, they are supernatural or exceptional powers that are recognized by the members of the society. The recognition of the exceptional characteristics by the masses is what gives the individual authority. This recognition usually revolves around a miracle or other sign that inspires the society to total devotion to the leader. It is considered the duty of the people to recognize and devote themselves to the individual who possesses exceptional qualities. It is not the will of the people as in an election, but rather the duty of the people to recognize the individual's exceptional qualities, that legitimizes charismatic authority.