IDEAL TYPE

An abstract model of a classic, pure, form of social phenomenon. It is a model concept and does not necessarily exist in exact form in reality. 

An example is Ferdinand Tonnies's dichotomy Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft .

Tonnies described two opposite, or polar types, of social association, one personal and committed (community) one impersonal and unemotional (society-association). 

These two formal types then provide a benchmark for the analysis and comparison of actually existing societies. 

Max Weber also used this method of analysis with his ideal types of bureaucracy, authority and social action.

The Ideal Type and Sociological Theory - Jon Hendricks, University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky, C. Breckinridge Peters, University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky 
Acta Sociologica, Vol. 16, No. 1, 31-40 (1973) © 1973 Scandinavian Sociological Association
Though widely used in the literature of sociology ideal types have received little systematic explication. One of the difficulties is the ambiguity surrounding the usage of types as theoretical or definitional statements. Beginning with the types constructed by Weber and his contemporaries the discussion proceeds by analyzing subsequent revisions as they relate to the subject matter of the social sciences. Suggestions for improving the explanatory powers of typologies are made based on the kinds of knowledge deemed relevant for observer and actor at differing levels of the social world. - asj.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/16/1/31

The Weberian Ideal-type: Development and Continuities 
Tore Lindbekk, Department of Sociology and Political Science, University of Trondheim 
Acta Sociologica, Vol. 35, No. 4, 285-297 (1992) © 1992 Scandinavian Sociological Association
Max Weber's concept of ideal-types is presented against a background of the meth odological controversies at the turn of the century and the conceptions of some recent authors. The changes in Weber's ideal-type approach from his early studies of medieval trading companies to Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft and his studies of world religions are pointed out. It is argued that Weber's methodology was integral to his project to disclose the roots and central contents of modem Western civilization. - asj.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/35/4/285

Four ideal-type organizational responses to New Public Management reforms and some consequences 
Tor Hernes, Norwegian School of Management BI, Oslo, Oslo University College - International Review of Administrative Sciences, Vol. 71, No. 1, 5-17 (2005) © 2005 International Institute of Administrative Sciences
With its dual focus on service and accountability, New Public Management (NPM) accentuates the inherent tension between the logics of service and accountability respectively in local public administration. The present article explores, from an organization theory perspective, possible organizational responses to tensions created by the introduction of NPM. The article identifies four possible ideal-type organizational responses to NPM. First, paralysis, whereby unresolved conflict leads to a stand-off situation between management and staff. Second, ritualistic decoupling, in the sense of decoupling between espoused and enacted practices. Third, loose coupling between functions and individuals. Fourth, organic adaptation, whereby the tension is handled constructively through internal structural and cultural differentiation. Possible causes and consequences of each of these responses for management are discussed. - ras.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/71/1/5