Theories of Authority - Management Duniya

Theories of Authority

 Authority is reinforced & accepted. Different authors have given different thoughts to authority. They are generally discussed as Formal authority, Acceptance & Competence & responsible Authority.

Formal Authority:

 Formal authority is legal authority granted to the manager by the organisation. Top management has maximum authority which is delegated to the lower cadre. Authority flows from higher to lower with gradual decline. Legitimate authority is formal authority. It is the Power to command where as informal authority is the capacity to command.

 Acceptance Authority:

Authority is conferred & Accepted by the employees. Authority is present only when it is accepted by groups or individuals. The manager has no authority unless subordinates accept it. Authority is the character of a communication which is accepted by others. Official communication is accepted necessarily by the employees otherwise they will be changed for disobedience. In any organisation disobedience is the denial of authority, which is not permissible. The willingness to accept the authority does not create any problem & it becomes voluntary acceptance authority that is needed for proper functioning of the organisation. Authority lies with the subordinates. Therefore, authority must be accepted by subordinates. It requires some motivation like rewards, legitimacy, social support & confidence. Authority is accepted because subordinates are asked to behave properly for better performance. They get positive & pleasant rewards in compliance of the orders & achieving the goals.

 Competence Theory:

Competence theory believes in technical competence which is conferred on the management. Seniority, education, skills & intelligence are included under competence or technical authority. It is referent or charishmatic power. Authority lies in the competence or ability of a manager. Employees consider competence of their manager as the source of authority.

 Responsible Theory:

Power without responsibility creates many problems. Responsibility is the obligation of an individual to carry out assigned activities to the best of one’s ability. It is the obligation of a person to achieve the results. It is the obligation to carry out the activities to achieve the results. Authority & responsibility is coexisting.  It is the inseparable twin of authority. Manager’s authority is the power to make & enforce decisions concerning his defined duties. His responsibility is the obligation up on him to perform these duties by using his authority. Authority without responsibility lacks ultimate purpose & responsibility without authority has a hallow ring. Manager cannot perform his duties unless he has authority to do so.  The authority commensurate with responsibility & responsibility commensurate with authority.

Source: OB Books & Notes

Tags: Authority, Authority and Power, bargaining power, of, Power, Power & Authority, Power and Authority, Theories
By: Management Duniya