What is Authority ?

Authority is binding force of an organization. Without authority a manager ceases to be a manager. In context of management authority can be described as the right to guide and direct the actions of others to secure responsive which are desirable for the achievement of the organizational goals. Authority is the right to decide and direct how others will perform their duties. It is also the right to make decisions and then get these decisions carried out.

Authority is formal in nature and is supported by either tradition, law or standards of authority. Authority is not unlimited, the limit and extant of authority are defined in advanced. It is a relationship between superior and his subordinates which is used to achieve the organizational goals. It is used to influence the behavior of the subordinates.