Authority and Power; Meaning, Similarities and differences between them

Summary

In this lecture, the concept of authority is explored in depth, distinguishing it from power. Authority is defined as the legitimate right to enforce obedience, whereas power involves force. The sources of political authority include traditional, legal, and charismatic authority, each derived from different foundations like customs, constitutions, or individual traits. Additionally, the lecture covers the types of authority—political, coercive, delegate, traditional, and legal-rational—detailing how they function in society. The differences between power and authority are highlighted, emphasizing legitimacy, delegation, and the absence of force in authority. The session concludes with a teaser for the next class on legitimacy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Authority is the right to give others commands and enforce obedience, unlike power which is based on force.
• 😀 Authority is a privilege granted through constitution or tradition, while power relies on force and compulsion.
• 😀 The three major sources of political authority are traditional authority, legal authority, and charismatic authority.
• 😀 Traditional authority is derived from hereditary family or royal houses, typically passed down within families based on customs and traditions.
• 😀 Legal authority is derived from a written constitution, which defines the duties and powers of various governmental organs.
• 😀 Charismatic authority comes from an individual's innate abilities, qualities, or personal characteristics that inspire leadership and respect.
• 😀 There are five types of authority: political, coercive, delegate, traditional, and legal-rational authority.
• 😀 Political authority is the power granted to elected individuals by a constitution to make decisions and enforce laws.
• 😀 Coercive authority involves the use of force or compulsion, often seen in military settings.
• 😀 Delegate authority involves sharing power across various individuals or groups, where specific responsibilities are assigned to subordinates.

Q & A

What is the main difference between power and authority?

Power involves the use of force and sanctions, while authority is the legitimate right to command and enforce obedience without the need for force.

What are the three sources of political authority?

The three sources of political authority are traditional authority, legal authority, and charismatic authority.

How does traditional authority function in political systems?

Traditional authority is derived from hereditary family customs, where power is passed down through families or royal houses, often based on tradition and custom.

What is legal authority, and where does it come from?

Legal authority comes from written laws or constitutions that define the roles, duties, and rights of individuals and government organs. It is based on legal documentation, such as the constitution of a state.

How is charismatic authority different from other forms of authority?

Charismatic authority is based on an individual's personal qualities or innate abilities that inspire devotion and loyalty, rather than being derived from legal or traditional systems.

What does the term 'coercive authority' mean?

Coercive authority involves the use of force, often seen in military or authoritarian regimes, where power is maintained through compulsion or physical enforcement.

What is delegate authority and how does it function?

Delegate authority is the power conferred on subordinates to exercise certain functions or make decisions. In modern democracies, authority is often shared and delegated to multiple individuals or groups.

Can you explain what traditional authority entails in more detail?

Traditional authority is legitimized by customs and traditions. It is typically found in royal or tribal systems, where power is inherited and exercised according to established practices.

What is legal-rational authority and where is it commonly applied?

Legal-rational authority is based on laws and rules defined by a constitution or legal system. It is commonly applied in modern democracies where authority is held by individuals who meet specific qualifications set out by law.

What are the key differences between power and authority in terms of punishment?

Power often comes with severe punishments, such as death penalties, due to its forceful nature. Authority, however, can only discipline and does not have the power to impose extreme sanctions like capital punishment.