Authority can be defined as the right to give orders and power to exact obedience

Classical view: Authority originates at the top in the formal structure of an Organisation and then flows downwards to the subordinates. Human Relations View: the authority of a superior depends on the willingness of his subordinates to accept it. If they donot accept authority, it is not real and does not exist. - Subordinate will accept authority, if he considers it to be legitimate.

3 bases of legitimacy: - Tradition - Rationality - Charisma

- Given by Chester I. Barnard 1. The order must be properly understood 2. It should be believed that the order is consistent with the organisations purpose. 3. It should be compatible with the subodinates personal interests also 4. The subordinate should be mentally and physically able to comply with it.

Given by Herbert A. Simon:

It enforces obedience to norms It secures expertise in the making of decisions It permits centralisation of decision making and coordination of activity

The ability to influence or to cause a person to perform an act There are mainly 8 types of power to be understood: Reward power Coercive power Reference power Expertise 5. Charismatic power 6. Reflected power 7. Emotional power 8. Legitimacy

1. 2. 3. 4.