Difference Between Authority And Power
The main dissimilarities or difference between authority and power can be pointed out as follows:
1. Introduction
Authority: Institutionalized legal right of an individual to command and compel others.
Power: An ability or capacity of a person to influence and control others.
2. Nature
Authority: It is a legal right of a superior
Power: It is an individual potential
3. Type
Authority: It is technical and static in nature
Power: It is dynamic and flexible in nature
4. Comes From
Authority: Position or rank
Power: Ability, knowledge and skills
5. Legitimacy
Authority: Yes it is legitimate
Power: No legitimacy
6. Flow
Authority: It flows from top to bottom
Power: No fixed direction (can flow in any direction)
7. Delegation
Authority: Can be delegated to others
Power: Cannot be delegated
Also Read:
Also Read:
8. Basis Of
Authority: Formal Organizations
Power: Informal Organizations
9. Organizational Chart
Authority: It can be presented in the organization chart
Power: Cannot be presented in the organization chart
Authority Vs Power (Comparison Chart)
I hope this post is helpful to understand the difference between authority and power and to make comparison between them.
Authority Vs Power (Comparison Chart)
Basis For Difference
|
Authority
|
Power
|
Introduction
|
Right of superior to direct and compel others
|
Capacity of an individual to handle or control others
|
Refers To
|
Legal right
|
Individual potential
|
Nature
|
Static
|
Flexible
|
Comes From
|
Position
|
Ability and knowledge
|
Legitimacy
|
Yes
|
No
|
Flow From
|
Top to bottom
|
Any direction
|
Can Be Delegated ?
|
Yes
|
No
|
Basis Of
|
Formal organizations
|
Informal organizations
|
Presented In Chart ?
|
Yes
|
No
|
I hope this post is helpful to understand the difference between authority and power and to make comparison between them.
