Political and Social Theory - Essay Example

According to Machiavelli, the only task for rulers is to maintain power and ensure success for government thus his famous quote that “the ends justify the means” (Machiavelli, 1996 p. 60). The end in this case is the success of the state and the ruler should use whatever means possible even if it means compromising his/her values or morals to achieve it. He thus advocates use of force, violence, deceit and political manipulation if it would lead to success. However, he clarifies that the government actions are not bound by the same values as of individuals thus while it uses all means possible, the subjects should be guided by moral values (Morgan, 2005).

For him, it is better to be feared than loved since fear is constant and love is fickle. On social theory, he focuses on a single autonomous society and the individual in particular. He does not believe that human behavior is controlled by natural forces or that it is by chance or luck. He believes in humanism that is individuals can control their own destiny and thus his theory is based on reality or the world as it is rather than an imaginary world (p 117). He asserts that humans are selfish and thus pursue self-interests and they are also ungrateful, liars, deceivers and greedy.

Machiavelli’s theories can be applied to a practical situation in three ways which will be the main topic of our discussion. Firstly, it guides the leaders in the organization on how to make decisions that will help achieve success. Secondly, it guides the relationships within the workplace bearing in mind the nature of human beings. Thirdly, it helps to make rules or policy guidelines in the