Authority

Authority is derived from the old Roman word ‘Auctor’.

‘Auctoritus’ meaning counsel or advice.

Authority emphasizes the relationship between ‘command’ &

‘obedience’ in clearly defined social settings. Social conditions
which fulfill this condition are institutionalized & legitimate.

Authority is a position which occurs to a person by virtue of his

role and position he enjoys in an organized social structure.

Definition:-
Macluer – Authority is often defined as a power to command
obedience.
Jourenel – Authority is the ability of man to get his proposals
accepted.
OR
Facility of gaining another men’s assent.
Robert Dahl – Legitimate power or influence is generally called
authority.

A report of UNESCO writes “Authority is that Power which is

accepted, respected, known & legitimate.
Characteristics of Authority:
1. Dominance
2. Based on reason
3. Feeling of Responsibility
4. Legitimacy
5. Authority based on acceptance
6. Use of authority on hierarchy

Kinds of Authority:
Max Weber has classified authority into 3 categories.

1. Traditional Authority
2. Characteristic Authority
3. Rational Legal Authority

Other Types of Authority:

1. Political authority
2. Constitutional Authority
3. Religious Authority
4. Force based Authority
5. Elite Authority