It distinguishes action from mere behavior in that action involves meanings or intentions. Action theory is an analysis of action starting with the individual actor. Analysis proceeds in terms of typical actors in typical situations by identifying actor's goals, expectations and values. The means of achieving these goals the nature of the situation and the actor's knowledge of the situation.Talcott Parsons refers to these elements as action frame of reference. Action theory can be traced to the works of Max Weber inspired by Weber two forms of action theories have been developed one form of action theory is reflected in the works of Alfred Schultz and subsequently Harold Garfinkel.Here priority is given to the meaningfulness of the action. The other form of action theory found in the works of Talcott Parsons in which the idea of meaningfulness is subordinated is the concept of social structure.