Authority And Power Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Authority And Power?

Authority and power are two concepts that are intertwined yet can be seen as distinct entities. Authority is the right to make decisions, the ability to influence or command others, and the capacity to enforce rules. Power is a form of authority in which one individual or group has control over another’s actions.In most societies, authority is vested in formal institutions such as governments, religious orders, schools, or corporations. These institutions have the right to make decisions that bind their members. Authority may also be granted by a higher authority such as a king or president who has the power to appoint people to positions of responsibility and trust within their society. In these cases, there is usually an element of hierarchy that places those in power above those without it; those with authority will typically have more resources than those without it.Power can take many forms including physical force such as military might or economic control through taxation and regulation. It can also be more subtle such as social pressure exerted through peer groups or cultural norms that guide behavior without being overtly enforced by law enforcement agencies. Both authority and power are necessary for any well-functioning society; however, it is important to remember that too much of either can lead to tyranny and oppression if not properly managed. It should also be noted that not all forms of authority necessarily involve the use of power; leaders may choose to exercise their influence through persuasion rather than coercion when appropriate circumstances allow for it (e.g., democracy).