Unveiling 13 Forms of Authority in Reality

Compliance with authority is crucial for a functioning society. Disregarding it can lead to corrective measures being taken. Authority serves the purpose of upholding rules and restoring order in case of any disruption. Essentially, it denotes the adherence to instructions issued by individuals, entities or governing bodies.

There are 13 Different types of Authority

1) Academic authority

Contrary to academic authority, this type of authority is not derived from a position or title held in a college or university. Instead, it involves inspiring and guiding others through a deep understanding of a particular subject matter. Through this type of authority, one can motivate and support their peers or subordinates to reach their full potential.

The role of an authoritative figure often involves a thorough comprehension of the subject matter at hand. However, one need not necessarily be an expert in the field, as long as they possess enough knowledge to provide guidance to their peers and subordinates. Despite this, academic authority does have its limitations, as what is learned from textbooks may not always be applicable to real-world scenarios. In the business world, academic authority is commonly held by individuals who possess a strong understanding of the subject and can effectively impart their knowledge to those lower down in the organizational hierarchy. It is worth noting that academic authority is a prevalent form of authority, particularly given the size and influence of the education industry.

2) Charismatic authority

Charismatic authority in leadership is determined largely by the personal qualities of an individual rather than their knowledge and expertise. It is the exceptional and admirable traits of an individual that give them the ability to possess charismatic authority.

Charismatic leaders are often thought to be highly attuned to the needs and desires of others, but this perception is not always accurate. Many examples throughout history, such as Adolf Hitler and Walt Disney, have shown that charisma does not necessarily equal positive leadership qualities. In fact, research has found that narcissism is often a common trait among charismatic leaders. Additionally, followers of charismatic leaders may be more likely to leave the organization once the leader is no longer present, suggesting that they were simply blindly following the leader rather than being committed to the company itself.

3) Expert authority

Expertise in a particular subject or subject area grants an individual expert authority, which is highly valuable due to their specialized knowledge. These authorities typically focus on one area, allowing them to provide insightful opinions and perspectives.

Individuals who possess expertise in a specific area may not necessarily possess charismatic qualities, although they do have the ability to influence others. The combination of expertise and charisma is rare and difficult to come by. It can be argued that these individuals are highly skilled and talented in one particular field, but may not excel in other areas.

In essence, they are specialized in one field rather than being a Jack-of-all-trades. This does not necessarily make them superior to others. The defining traits of an expert include having a deep and intense passion for their subject, a thorough understanding of how it operates, and possessing the deepest level of knowledge in the subject matter, making them unbeatable in their area of expertise.

4)  Founder authority

The authority held by a founding member of an organization is a result of their motivation, devotion, and immense expertise in managing people and the organization. Founders have well-defined roles and are self-motivated. They possess a deep interest and thirst for knowledge in their particular organization, which makes them more involved than any other person in the organization.

5) Legal governing authority

The founders' past experiences and superior knowledge are the foundations of their authority. They are the heart and brain of the organization, without which it may struggle to survive. Their influence extends not only to the employees but also to the senior leaders of the organization.

Legal governing authority is not limited to lawyers or the law profession. It refers to the official position or status assigned to an individual, often a high-ranking one. For instance, the Chairman of a society is also considered a legal governing authority. However, it is important to note that having authority over others can be beneficial as long as it does not lead to domination and infringement of their rights. Despite its advantages, being a legal governing authority can also create a sense of detachment from the daily operations of the company. Board of directors and general managers are typical examples of legal governing authorities.

6) Organizational position authority

Organizational position authority is granted to those who lead major projects. This authority is specific to the project at hand and does not extend beyond its completion or termination.

Some companies take measures to retain employees even after the completion of a project, in order to prevent loss of talent. Often, individuals may feel overwhelmed by the workload of a new project, especially if they are handling it for the first time. Despite the initial stress, this responsibility can be valuable and provide opportunities for learning and growth.

7) Ownership authority

Ownership authority is the power held by individuals who own an organization or company in its entirety. This power allows them to make decisions for the entire organization. The best example of ownership authority can be seen in the owners of sports teams.

Their large amount of power is often undermined by their lack of organizational skills, resulting in decisions that negatively impact everyone within the organization. Without the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively manage their ownership, they are more likely to harm the organization than to improve it. In order to succeed as an owner with this level of authority, it is crucial to possess strong decision-making abilities and a clear understanding of how to manage the organization effectively. This type of authority is commonly found in sole proprietors.

8) Prophetic authority

The Spiritual Authority is a term used to describe individuals who possess unique gifts, such as creating visions and teaching that are deeply rooted in scriptural teachings. Despite their exceptional prophetic abilities, these modern-day prophets take their scriptural studies seriously and continually strive to deepen their understanding of the scriptures.

9) Punitive authority

This type of authority is exceedingly rare, but those involved, including the prophet and their followers, take it very seriously. Those with prophetic authority do not hesitate to do what is right, even if it may harm their position. They are resolute and steadfast in their beliefs, which is why their followers hold them in high regard, often for life.

Punitive authority refers to the ability to punish someone for their wrongdoing, regardless of whether their actions caused harm. This type of authority is characterized by the intention to enforce consequences for a person's actions. For instance, an umpire in a cricket match holds punitive authority over the players, as their role involves enforcing rules and penalizing those who break them. Similarly, a judge in a court of law also possesses punitive authority, as their sentence can significantly impact the life of the defendant. Ultimately, the judge has the legal power to punish those found guilty of a crime.

10) Relational authority

Relational authority refers to the extent to which the actions of an individual within a group can impact the group as a whole. For instance, in a sports team such as a hockey team, the actions of one member can have a significant impact on the entire team. This is because the team members are interconnected and any individual action can affect the team's overall performance.

11) Results authority

A peak performer who consistently achieves their targets possesses what is known as results authority. It's important to note that a one-time achiever doesn't hold the same level of authority as someone who consistently delivers results over a long period of time. These individuals gain respect from their impressive success stories and are frequently entrusted with leading projects where they are likely to excel. Their skill set is fully utilized within the organization, and they are often viewed as an asset worth retaining at all costs.

12) Reward authority

Reward authority is a powerful tool that is often held by school teachers and college professors. Their ability to provide both tangible and intangible rewards, such as grades and marks, can have a significant impact on the lives of their students. These rewards are highly valued and are often seen as a form of recognition for hard work and dedication.

Reward authority holds a significant role in shaping the behavior of employees towards achieving organizational goals. It requires a certain level of trust and respect from employees towards their superiors, especially when it comes to decision-making regarding monetary appraisals. However, it is important to note that reward authority also comes with the responsibility of administering punishment in case of non-compliance or poor performance. Interestingly, one does not necessarily need technical expertise to be an expert in reward authority, as it primarily involves the ability to make effective and fair decisions regarding employee performance and rewards. In many organizations, even HR personnel who may not possess specialized knowledge of the company's products are still considered as reward authority.