Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of traditional authority?

Traditional authority is a concept introduced by sociologist Max Weber, which refers to power legitimized by long-standing customs, traditions, and established practices. Characteristics of traditional authority include custom, tradition, and acceptance.

Custom refers to the established practices and norms that govern the behavior of individuals within a society, reinforcing the legitimacy of traditional authority. Tradition embodies the historical context and cultural heritage that support authority structures, while acceptance emphasizes the willingness of people to recognize and abide by the power structures that have been inherited through generations.

Charisma, on the other hand, is more closely associated with charismatic authority, which is based on the personal appeal and extraordinary qualities of an individual leader. Leaders with charismatic authority inspire devotion and loyalty not because of tradition, but due to their perceived exceptional qualities and abilities. This distinction is crucial as it highlights that traditional authority relies on established customs rather than the personal magnetism or extraordinary traits of an individual.

So, the characteristic that does not belong to traditional authority is charisma, as it pertains to a different form of authority altogether.