20+ Difference between Power and Authority (Explained)

Power and authority are two aspects of management that go hand in hand with one another, and when it comes to influencing or manipulating other people, these two aspects go hand in hand.

Both of these tactics are used to coerce people into acting in the desired manner. The capacity of an individual to exert an effect on the will or actions of other people is referred to as power. On the other hand, authority can be defined as an individual’s right to command other individuals.

Even though many consider these two phrases synonymous, there is a subtle but important distinction between power and authority.

The first is used in a personal capacity, while the second is utilized in a professional setting. Have a look since this discussion. We are going to shed some light on the fundamental contrasts that exist between the two.

Table of Contents

Comparison Between Power And Authority

Parameter	Power	Authority
Defination	Power can be described as a person’s capacity or potential for influencing others’ actions.	Legal and formal power to provide instructions and directions, in addition to the capability to make judgments, is referred to as authority.
Source	Personal qualities such as charisma and skill are typically the ingredients for power-making. It is possible to study and acquire power. As a general rule, a person’s power level increases proportionately to their knowledge in their area of expertise. Power, like charisma, is contingent on how others perceive a person; you will not have power if they do not see you as powerful.	The term “authority” refers to a title that one receives from an external source, such as a company, the government, or another individual. Although a person in a position of authority may have personal qualities that also make them powerful, that person’s authority is not derived from within themselves but from their position. It is possible to offer someone authority while simultaneously giving them relatively little personal power; nevertheless, this is not considered a strategic move for an organization.
Use of system	Although it may be simpler to amass power within a certain industry or organization, power does not have to be confined to a single structure to be exercised. A powerful person, such as a well-known doctor or politician, will frequently be acknowledged as strong by new people and in different fields. This is because powerful people tend to have an impact on the lives of others.	In most cases, authority is not applicable outside of an organization or system; nevertheless, the system itself can be extensive. For example, the authority of the management of a bank is only applicable inside the confines of that bank, whereas the jurisdiction of a state policeman extends considerably beyond. However, if the state trooper travels outside of the state or the United States, they will no longer have any legal power. On the other hand, any acknowledgment they obtain is an expansion of their authority.

Major Difference Between Power And Authority

What exactly is power?

By the term “power,” we mean an individual’s ability to persuade others to carry out an action or refrain from doing so.

It is characterized by independence and informality and is based on charisma and social standing. A person’s capacity to do something is something they learn via experience and education.

You can control what others can and cannot do when you’re a leader. A non-hierarchical structure allows power to flow in any direction, from senior to junior or junior to senior. So there are no limits to its scope. In addition, politics is often a part of it.

Key Difference: Power

The ability or potential of an individual to influence the conduct of others and exert control over those activities is what we mean when we talk about power.

As with any other skill, it is mastering the capacity to wield power is a long-term process.

The major sources of power are knowledge and competence.

Power flow can occur in any direction, including vertically, horizontally, laterally, diagonally, or crosswise.

The power is vested in the individual, and practice, that individual is the one who obtains it.

The power does not come from a legitimate source.

What exactly is authority?

A person has the legal and formal right to make choices and issue orders and directions to others for them to carry out a certain task when that person possesses authority.

It is given to senior executives to achieve the organization’s objectives. Because of its hierarchical structure, information is transmitted in a downward direction.

That is, it is delegated from a higher authority to a lower one. In most cases, one exercises authority to get things done through the efforts of others.

It is connected to the position, meaning anyone who obtains the post is entitled to the associated authority. Furthermore, the higher the position, the greater the authority that he would have.

Because of the fact that the designation is what confers power, in the lack of authority, the job that is being offered to the person is of no use. In addition to this, it is exclusively available to members of the organization.

Key Difference: Authority

Authority is a term used to describe the formal and legal right to give orders and directives and the right to make decisions.

The formal right to exercise authority is delegated to those in management or high-level government positions.

One’s level of authority is directly proportional to their position and office.

Unlike authority, which can only flow in one direction, namely, down from a superior to a subordinate, respect can be earned in various ways.

The designation is the source of authority; therefore, whoever obtains the designation will also obtain the authority tied to it.

The lawful source of authority is.

Contrast Between Power And Authority

Formality:

Power- When compared to the authority, power can be considered a more casual influence. It is not necessary for a person or organization to have any official standing within a hierarchy for them to acquire power.

Even if they do not hold a managerial title, employees with a high level of experience and technical expertise are more likely to become powerful and influential in the eyes of their coworkers, managers, and customers than other employees who do not have these traits.

Authority- A more official form of influence is that conferred by authority. The possession of power does not automatically provide authority; rather, the authority must be earned via participation in a hierarchical system.

Lobbying groups provide a common illustration of the distinction between authority and power in politics. Lobbyists can have a tremendous degree of influence on an agency; nevertheless, they do not have actual authority within that institution.

The proper delegation of work, the identification of employees’ points of contact should they require assistance, and the acceptance of responsibility for errors are all critically dependent on the existence of authority inside a company.

Legitimacy:

Power- Because there are no established procedures, power cannot be considered legitimate.

A person’s position of authority inside an organization or system does not entitle them to any unique legal or political rights, such as those enjoyed by civil officials who carry out tasks that ordinary citizens cannot.

Authority- Formal and credible support is required for authority. The difference between formality and validity can be seen in a situation’s legal rights and duties.

The validity of the authority given to the military enables a soldier or a member of the National Guard to carry out responsibilities as part of their duty that civilians do not normally have the legal right to carry out.

This is because the military is tasked with protecting the nation. Importantly, for an organization or government to actually have authority, it is necessary for its constituents to view it positively and consider it legitimate.

Conflicting factions or a government that came to power through a coup d’etat could both be examples of illegitimate organizations. In situations like these, the legitimacy of the organization depends entirely on the confidence and judgment of the general public.

How long it can last:

Power- It is possible to lose power, but typically it takes a pattern of poor behavior or repeated blunders for someone to lose their position of authority.

It is possible for a prominent individual to lose their credibility if they commit crucial blunders. This is especially true in the realms of politics and business, where credibility is founded on competence and experience.

In addition, having power does not necessitate having a likable personality, but it does typically require a certain amount of charisma; hence, poor personal behavior or treatment of coworkers might result in a person losing their influence.

Authority- It is simple to lose one’s authority. In most cases, an organization can strip someone of their authority if they are fired from their role or if everything in the position that gave them official control over other people is removed.

During the departmental restructuring, for instance, some government agencies have shifted managers into jobs with the same pay level but have taken away their leadership responsibilities.

There are a few instances in which someone’s position of authority has been institutionalized and is very difficult to change.

For example, the British monarchy still has positions of authority that are extremely difficult to alter, and the process of removing a justice from the United States Supreme Court is highly complicated and unpopular.

Violence:

Power- People with power frequently use force or other coercion to influence others. This is especially true in politics, as insurgent groups or established governments strive to advance their cause or defeat opponents through force forcefully.

Although power itself does not necessitate the use of violence, those in positions of power frequently lack the authority necessary to exercise legitimate influence, so they turn to violence instead.

Compared to other means of influence, such as diplomacy or other types of power, many governments and political groups see violence as cheaper and speedier.

Authority- The vast majority of political scientists agree that legitimate power does not involve the use of violence, with the possible exception of declared and symmetrical war.

The exercise of authority is formalized, and those in positions of authority should be entrusted with responsibilities and access to resources that enable them to influence others and perform their tasks without resorting to physical force.

When a person in a position of authority uses violence against members of the general public or other people who are not in a position of authority, the situation is said to be “asymmetrical,” which means it is unjust, and the authority figure loses its legitimacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the meaning of traditional authority?

Authority based on long-standing conventions and traditions is known as “traditional authority” in the first place.

On the basis that their forebears did the same, the inhabitants of a community show respect to a certain authority, and naturally, they cannot break with the custom.

Q2. What is meant by charismatic authority?

Weber’s second valid authority is charisma. People obey or demonstrate allegiance to authorities owing to charisma.

Personality or charisma influences people’s minds. Not all powerful people are charismatic. Hitler, Mussolini, Napoleon, Ayatollah Khomeini, and Fidel Castro were charismatic leaders.

Q3. How are power and authority related?

Individuals that have a lot of power are those who have the ability to influence others’ actions, beliefs, and behaviors.

However, it’s critical to recognize the distinction between actual power and mere sway. Organizational authority is a person or group’s legitimate authority to exercise power over others.

Q4. Is there a similarity between power and authority?

Power and authority are two ways to exert influence on others. Knowledge and expertise are the foundations of power, whereas formal titles and positions are the basis of authority.