Difference Between Authority And Responsibility

Difference Between Authority And Responsibility

The main dissimilarities or difference between authority and responsibility can be pointed out as follows:

1. Introduction

Authority: A legitimate power and right of an individual to command, direct and compel others

Responsibility: It is an obligation to obey the command and direction of superiors to carry out given task.

2. Delegation

Authority: It can be delegated

Responsibility: It cannot be delegated to others

3. Requirement

Authority: It requires ability and power to give instructions and orders

Responsibility: It requires ability and capacity to follow given instructions and orders

4. Flow

Authority: It flows from top level to bottom

Responsibility: It flows from bottom to top

5. Life/Continuity

Authority: It has a longer life than responsibility

Responsibility: It has a shorter life than authority. It ends after completion of given work.

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Difference Between Authority And Power

6. Purpose

Authority: Decision Making

Responsibility: Executing

Authority Vs Responsibility (Comparison Chart)

Basis For Difference	Authority	Responsibility
Introduction	Right and power to direct and compel others	Obligation to obey the command of superiors
Delegated To Others	Yes	No
Flow From	Top to bottom	Bottom to top
Requirements	Ability to instruct and direct	Ability to follow orders
Life	Longer	Shorter
Purpose	Decision Making	Executing

I hope this post is helpful to understand the difference between authority and responsibility and to make comparison between them.