This article will help you to learn about the difference between authority and power.
Difference between Authority and Power
Difference – Authority
1. Formalization:
It is the formal right of a person to issue orders and instructions to subordinates.
2. Position:
It is related to position that a person holds in the organisational hierarchy. It is institutional in nature.
3. Organisation Chart:
It can be depicted on the organisation chart. It increases as one goes up the hierarchy and decreases as one goes down the hierarchy.
4. Delegation:
As it vests with higher authorities on the organisation chart, it can be delegated to people at lower levels.
5. Parity:
Authority is normally commensurate with responsibility i.e., parity between authority and responsibility is maintained in the organisation.
6. Formal:
Since authority is derived by virtue of position that a person holds in the organisation, it is formal in nature.
7. Organizational relationship:
It exists between superiors and subordinates.
Difference – Power
1. Formalization:
It is not a formal right but the ability of a person to issue orders and instructions to subordinates.
2. Position:
It is related to the person; his qualities, experience and expertise that enables him to influence the behaviour of others. It is personal in nature.
3. Organisation Chart:
It cannot be depicted on the organisation chart. People at lower level can have more power than those at higher levels and vice versa.
4. Delegation:
It cannot be delegated. It is the ability of a person to influence the behaviour of people who may be senior or junior to him.
5. Parity:
There is no parity between power and responsibility. A person with minimum responsibility can have maximum power.
6. Formal:
Power being attached to a person, can be both formal and informal (legitimate power is formal in nature).
7. Organisational relationship:
It exists between two persons, whether or not related to each other in the organisational hierarchy.