1. Differentiate power from authority by describing each term.
The ability of a group of people or individuals to influence the actions or beliefs of the rest is called power. The power may be associated with either the expertise of the leader or his or her personality. On the other hand, authority has to do with the right given to the organizational leader with the purpose of fulfilling the organizational goals. Authority becomes legitimate if the leaders is elected or selected through the supposedly agreed and recognized method. The entrusted individual has the power to influence and control those under him or her .Authority empowers leaders and helps them get things done in the company or institution (Grimes 732).
2. Who holds authority over you in your life (provide 3 examples)?
The three persons that have authority over me are my Vice Chancellor, employer, and the departmental head. This is because they can order me to do some things. Besides, I owe them allegiance and obedience.
3. Who has power over you and your life (provide 3 examples)?
Persons that have power over me are my personal lawyer, my doctor, and programmer. They can influence me in a number of ways, and that is tied to their expertise in their respective fields.
4. How necessary are imperative forces in formal groups (work, school) as well as in informal settings (family, friends)?
Imperative forces have major roles to play both in formal groups such as schools and work places as well as in the informal settings. Firstly, they play a big role towards the streamlining activities in the organization because of the respect and the right for leaders to command the subordinates. Secondly, they help in giving the organization a great sense of direction. This is because all the members of the organization respect the leaders and follow the directives assigned. As a result, a shared purpose is developed which pushes towards the success of the organization (Barker 345). Lastly, these forces help maintain order and peace in the organization. This is because every person respects and recognizes the roles of the other as well as their positions in the organization or any other circles. Consequently, conflict of interest is avoided in a big way (Grimes 728).
5. How does informal authority differ from formal authority?
6. Describe the limitations of power (provide 3 examples).
Power is an important tool towards the smooth running of a country or organization. However, there are limits as to how far those powers may go. First, there may be a set of governing rules or a constitution stipulating extend at which a leader may exercise power. That means that the leader may not be allowed to do those things that the constitution or rules proscribe (Barker 350). Secondly, the regulatory bodies and influential persons may also limit how far a given leaders may go. Thirdly, organization pressure or external forces may also limit a leader’s power. A strike is one such force. Further, resources within an institution limits power, in addition, excessive punishment may limit power. Finally, legitimacy may render power effective or stable, the lack of it causes instability and ineffectiveness. For example, dictators who acquire power illegitimately, their leadership is always unstable and ineffective.
7. According to Weber there are 3 sources of authority: describe each one and provide 2 examples of each of these in the real world.
According to Max Weber, there are three sources of authority. Traditional authority was the first form of authority. It advocates on the sanctity of a given community’s traditions. A good example is the circumcision rights in most of the African communities and the numerous rules stipulated to guide the process. The rational-legal authority is based in contractually established rules after parties reach a rational agreement. An example is a land selling deal where the two persons agree on a price and other terms. Charismatic authority is the kind of authority attributed to leaders because of their ethical, religious or heroic qualities (Grimes 727). An example of this is the Pope and the leadership of Jesus Christ to the church.
Works Cited
Grimes, Andrew J. "Authority, power, influence and social control: A theoretical synthesis." Academy of Management Review 3(4) (2008): 724-735. Print.
Barker, Richard A. "How can we train leaders if we do not know what leadership is?." Human relations 50(4) (2007): 343-362. Print.
