The crowd – corrective tool or source of management policy

The book "The Psychology of Crowds" by G. Le Bon is examined, focusing on its key propositions and analyses. Reflections have been offered on some of these, and views have been formulated from the perspective of contemporary socio-political, economic and social conditions. Diagrams are used to illustrate certain theoretical propositions and interrelationships, thereby facilitating their understanding. The link between crowd behaviour and political policy is clearly outlined. The view is put forward that crowds act as a kind of safety valve for the release of accumulated social tension and as a potential corrective or source of governance policy. The discussion on the relationship between those in power and the potential influence that crowds can exert on change also follows this line of reasoning. Furthermore, certain interrelationships between political, economic and social potential and the intensity of pressure exerted by crowds are outlined and analysed.