What is the Definition of Authority?

Authority is a cornerstone of an organization. It can be defined as the ability of an individual to seek compliance with the regulated instructions of the superior. It refers to their formal rights inherently available to a manager to give orders and see their compliance.

According to Max Weber (1924), there are 3 types of authorities:

  1. Traditional
  2. Rational and
  3. Charismatic authority.

Traditional authority rests on an established belief in the sanctity of immortal traditional whereas rational authority rests on the sheer legality of an individual’s position. The charismatic authority has its genesis in an individual’s personal charisma and qualities.

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