When the question is about influencing or manipulating others, two things go that side by side in the field of management are Power and Authority. These two are used to make people respond in the manner directed. Power is referred to as the capacity of an individual to influence the will or conduct of others. As against, authority is termed as the right possessed by a person to give the command to others.
Many of us think that these two terms are one and the same thing, but there exists a fine line of difference between power and authority. While the former is exercised in a personal capacity, the latter is used in a professional capacity. So, on this topic, we are going to throw light on the basic differences between the two, have a look.
Content: Power Vs Authority
Comparison Chart
| Basis for Comparison | Power | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Power means the ability or potential of an individual to influence others and control their actions. | The legal and formal right to give orders and commands, and take decisions is known as an Authority. |
| What is it? | It is a personal trait. | It is a formal right, given to the high officials. |
| Source | Knowledge and expertise. | Position & office |
| Hierarchy | Power does not follow any hierarchy. | Authority follows the hierarchy. |
| Resides with | Person | Designation |
| Legitimate | No | Yes |
Definition of Power
By the term power, we mean the personal capacity of an individual to influence others to do or not to do an act. It is independent and informal in nature derived from charisma and status. It is an acquired ability that comes from knowledge and expertise. It is the right to control other’s actions, decisions and performances.
Power is not hierarchical, i.e. it can flow in any direction like it can flow from superior to subordinate (downward) or junior to senior (upward), or between the persons working at the same level, but different departments of the same organization (horizontal), or between the persons working at different levels and departments of the same organization (diagonal). In this way, it is not confined to any boundaries. Moreover, the element of politics is usually attached to it.
Definition of Authority
Authority is legal and formal right to a person, who can take decisions, give orders and commands to others to perform a particular task. It is conferred to high officials, to accomplish organisation’s objectives. It is hierarchical in nature, it flows downward, i.e. delegated from superior to the subordinate.
In general, authority is exercised to get things done through others. It is attached to the position, i.e. any person who gets the position enjoys the authority attached to it, the higher the position, the higher would be his authority. As the authority lies in the designation, in the absence of authority, the position offered to the person would be of no use. Moreover, it is restricted to the organisation only.
Key Differences Between Power and Authority
The difference between power and authority can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:
- 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.
- Power is a personal trait, i.e. an acquired ability, whereas authority is a formal right, that vest in the hands of high officials or management personnel.
- The major source of power is knowledge and expertise. On the other hand, position and office determine the authority of a person.
- Power flows in any direction, i.e. it can be upward, downward, crosswise or diagonal, lateral. As opposed to authority, that flows only in one direction, i.e. downward (from superior to subordinate).
- The power lies in person, in essence, a person acquires it, but authority lies in the designation, i.e. whoever get the designation, get the authority attached to it.
- Authority is legitimate whereas the power is not.
Conclusion
After reviewing the above points, it is quite clear that power and authority are two different things, where power has nothing to do with level or management or position. On the other hand, authority completely depends on these two, i.e. the position level determines the level of authority a person has. In addition to this, the authority relationships, i.e. the relationship between superior and subordinate are depicted on the organisational chart. Conversely, the power relationship is not shown in the organisation chart.
Raasi says
Nice,easy to know the unknown things
magdalene says
great
Amos says
You’ve done it well
Nimisha mishra says
Very easy to understand and language was simple too!
Thank you for this article
Hage says
Simple and easy way of defining the two into various point. Helped me alot for my presentation. Thank you.
SID says
really understandable concept in a very comfortable way..
Thank you So much…
Ofori samuel says
In short, “let authorities keep you, power will come and set you free “.
Perfect explanation. Thanks
Mike says
Thank you for an excellent piece.
eze samuel chinonso says
I love your hard work but can you help to create my own blog
Lindiwe says
I would like to know or understand the relationship between Power, Authority and Leadership
Sirius Q says
Try and look at Responsibility vs Accountability in relation to Power vs Authority. That may help regarding understanding leadership.
Muksed Ali says
Wow! Excellent
Surbhi S says
To all the readers, Thanks a lot for continuously appreciating Key Differences and supporting us. It motivates us to do better. Keep reading 🙂
Srutz says
Wonderful article…easy to understand….fully satisfied….thank you…😄
Millicent E Parker says
When the Jewish Rabbis questioned Jesus’ dealings with demons, sicknesses & diseases that plagued people, showed that they well understood the difference between Power & Authority. The Comparison Chart has clearly defined sound dissect-ing of these words. I love it. Thanks.
Isa Musa Uba says
Wow so understandtable.
Henry says
Succinctly put. its not better anywhere! you’ve got the power of key differences.
Mercy Kaumba says
Thanks so much for the clear and well articulated work, my mind is now open.
Muhammad Adamu says
Thank you for this article.
jis says
You are amazing thanks alot
Travis says
i like this website
John says
Very useful information format to use when showing that the Roman fasces
McSmoke says
Thank you very much for making this easier to understand. This is very useful in determining the boundaries between power and authority, indeed. Gotcha!
Gilead maurice says
This has clearly outlined what have been looking for..awesome content
Tefera says
You put the difference in a nutshell and understandable way. So wonderful!
Thanks a lot
Godwin says
Excellent answer and good information.
reyhan says
thanks a lot of information
ibrahim isah says
extremely easy to understand the difference between power and authority excellence
NSABIMANA LIVINGSTONE says
It has been crystal clear differentiating power and authority. Before I could notably differentiate the two but now I will give a good presentation.
Aungwa Desmond msughter says
Very good and self explanative
Adv Sajjid Ali says
Thank you so much! good information and the difference between power and authority. Once again thank you so much. May God bless you.
Repent says
The point is very understandable short and brief. Authority and power are two different things or (terms)
keep it up
Sofiat says
Wow very understandable short and brief.
keep it up
Nso Clement Eyong says
Powerful explanation and absolute clarity with easeness of understanding.