Table of Contents
- 1 What is the difference between power responsibility and authority?
- 2 How can you differentiate between power and authority?
- 3 What is power or authority?
- 4 What is the difference between power and authority during leadership?
- 5 Do managers have power or authority?
- 6 Which is an example of authority?
- 7 Why must authority and responsibility equal?
Whenever authority is used, responsibility ensues. Authority is the legal right to give the command, order or instruction and compel the subordinates to do a certain act….Comparison Chart.
| Basis for Comparison | Authority | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | To make decisions and implement it. | To execute duties, assigned by superior. |
Power is defined as the ability or potential of an individual to influence others and control their actions. Authority is the legal and formal right to give orders and commands, and take decisions. On the other hand, position and office determine the authority of a person.
Power is an entity or individual’s ability to control or direct others, while authority is influence that is predicated on perceived legitimacy.
What is the authority and responsibility?
Authority means a formal, institutional or legal power in a particular job, function or position that empowers the holder of that job, function or position to successfully perform his task. Responsibility is the obligation of a subordinate to perform a duty, which has been assigned to him by his superior.
What is the relationship between authority and responsibility?
Authority is the right of a superior to give orders and instructions to his subordinates to get things done. Responsibility means the duties assigned to a person at the time of delegation of authority. Responsibility also denotes the obligation of the subordinate to perform the duty to the best of his ability.
Power, leadership, authority and influence are all around us. Remember that power is the ability to do something the specific way you want to do it by any means necessary. Leadership is painting a vision for others to follow. Authority is when a person has the right to give you an order or direction.
For example, a manager needs authority. It makes their position real and quantifiable, and gives them the power to designate tasks to their direct reports. Whenever there is a chain of business relations in a company, it is authority that binds them and provides a framework for responsibility.
Authority is defined as a person who is considered an expert in his field. A philosophy scholar who publishes books is an example of an authority. Political observers who acquire authority with age.
Why is authority equal to responsibility?
Authority is the right to give orders and the power to exact obedience. Authority and responsibility should be equal. In other words required amount of authority should be delegated to discharge responsibility. This principle avoids misuse of authority and at the same time helps in proper discharge of responsibility.
Can you have responsibility without authority?
To be accountable for something without having the necessary authority is demoralizing, unproductive, and potentially leads to a toxic work environment. The extent, and limits of their authority should be discussed with them before expecting them to accept the assignment or position, and recorded for future reference.
In an ideal scenario, authority and responsibility along with power and accountability are equal to each other in every position of the organization. For example, if an employee is given authority but does not have enough power, he can’t do his job effectively.