16 Lecture - Power and Authority

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16 Lecture

MGT111

Midterm & Final Term Short Notes

Power and Authority

Power and authority refer to the ability to influence or control others. Power refers to the ability to make others do something, while authority refers to the legitimate right to exercise power. Power can be derived from various sources such as


Important Mcq's
Midterm & Finalterm Prepration
Past papers included

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  1. Which of the following refers to the legitimate right to exercise power? a) Power b) Authority c) Control d) Influence Answer: b) Authority

  2. Which of the following is a source of power? a) Knowledge b) Legitimacy c) Charisma d) All of the above Answer: d) All of the above

  3. Which of the following is an example of authority? a) A manager who has the legal right to make decisions for the organization b) A wealthy person who uses their money to influence others c) A charismatic leader who inspires followers d) A strong-arm enforcer who uses force to make others comply Answer: a) A manager who has the legal right to make decisions for the organization

  4. Which type of power is derived from one's position in the organization? a) Legitimate power b) Expert power c) Referent power d) Coercive power Answer: a) Legitimate power

  5. Which of the following types of power is based on fear? a) Expert power b) Coercive power c) Referent power d) Legitimate power Answer: b) Coercive power

  6. Which of the following types of power is based on admiration or respect? a) Expert power b) Coercive power c) Referent power d) Legitimate power Answer: c) Referent power

  7. Which of the following types of power is based on specialized knowledge or skills? a) Expert power b) Coercive power c) Referent power d) Legitimate power Answer: a) Expert power

  8. Which of the following is an example of power? a) A parent asking their child to clean their room b) A teacher grading a student's paper c) A police officer using force to arrest a suspect d) All of the above Answer: d) All of the above

  9. Which of the following can impact the functioning and performance of organizations? a) The use of power and authority b) The size of the organization c) The location of the organization d) The age of the organization Answer: a) The use of power and authority

  10. Which of the following is an example of a coercive power tactic? a) Persuasion b) Collaboration c) Threats d) Consultation Answer: c) Threats



Subjective Short Notes
Midterm & Finalterm Prepration
Past papers included

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  1. Define power and authority. How are they different from each other? Answer: Power refers to the ability of an individual or group to influence or control the behavior of others, whereas authority is the legitimate right to exercise power. Power can be derived from various sources such as knowledge, wealth, charisma, etc., while authority is based on a legal or formal position of an individual in an organization.

  2. What is referent power? Provide an example. Answer: Referent power is a type of power that is based on admiration or respect. It is derived from the personality, behavior, or characteristics of the person who possesses it. An example of referent power is a celebrity who has a significant impact on the behavior and choices of their fans.

  3. Explain expert power. Provide an example. Answer: Expert power is a type of power that is based on specialized knowledge or skills. It is derived from the expertise or proficiency of an individual in a particular field or subject. An example of expert power is a doctor who has the ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions, and thus, can influence the behavior of their patients.

  4. What is coercive power? Provide an example. Answer: Coercive power is a type of power that is based on fear or the use of punishment. It is derived from the ability of an individual or group to apply negative consequences to others who do not comply with their demands. An example of coercive power is a police officer who has the authority to arrest or fine individuals who violate the law.

  5. What is legitimate power? Provide an example. Answer: Legitimate power is a type of power that is based on the formal position of an individual in an organization. It is derived from the belief that the individual has the right to make decisions and give orders. An example of legitimate power is a manager who has the authority to make decisions for their team or department.

  6. What is the difference between power and influence? Answer: Power refers to the ability to control or direct the behavior of others, while influence refers to the ability to affect the opinions, attitudes, or behaviors of others without necessarily controlling them. Influence can be derived from various sources such as persuasion, negotiation, and networking.

  7. How can power and authority impact the functioning of organizations? Answer: The use of power and authority can impact the functioning and performance of organizations in various ways. Misuse of power or authority can lead to resentment, conflict, and low morale among employees. On the other hand, effective use of power and authority can lead to increased productivity, motivation, and job satisfaction among employees.

  8. What are the sources of power? Answer: The sources of power include knowledge, expertise, charisma, wealth, status, formal authority, and the ability to control resources or information.

  9. What is the difference between legitimate power and referent power? Answer: Legitimate power is based on the formal position of an individual in an organization, while referent power is based on the admiration or respect that an individual commands from others. Legitimate power is derived from the position, while referent power is derived from the personality or behavior of the individual.

  10. Can an individual possess multiple types of power simultaneously? Provide an example. Answer: Yes, an individual can possess multiple types of power simultaneously. For example, a CEO of a company may possess legitimate power due to their position, expert power due to their knowledge and experience, and referent power due to their charisma and leadership skills.

Power and authority are two concepts that are often used interchangeably but have different meanings. Power is the ability to make others do what you want, while authority is the right to do so. Authority is derived from a position or role in an organization, while power can come from various sources, such as wealth, knowledge, or charisma. In an organization, power and authority are distributed among different levels of management. The top-level management has the most authority and power, while the lower-level management has less power and authority. Power can be used for both positive and negative purposes, depending on the person wielding it. Authority is important in maintaining order and ensuring that everyone follows the rules and regulations of an organization. It is also necessary for decision-making processes and enforcing policies. However, excessive use of authority can lead to abuse and oppression. Power can be used to influence others and achieve personal or organizational goals. It is important to use power ethically and responsibly to avoid negative consequences. In an organization, power can be used to motivate employees, build relationships, and drive innovation. The relationship between power and authority is dynamic and constantly evolving. Effective leaders understand how to balance power and authority to achieve organizational objectives while also respecting the rights and needs of their employees. They recognize the importance of building trust and establishing open communication channels to ensure that power and authority are used appropriately. In conclusion, power and authority are two critical components of any organization's structure. Understanding their differences and how they relate to each other is essential to effective management and leadership. It is important to use both power and authority ethically and responsibly to achieve organizational goals while also promoting the well-being of all stakeholders.

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