Chapter 13, Problem 1CRQ

Compare and contrast power, authority, and leadership.

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Similarities and differences between power, leadership and authority.

Introduction:

Power, authority and leadership are three vital aspects in an organization.

Power can be defined as the probability that one actor within a social relationship will be in a position to carry out his own will despite of resistance.

Authority represents the right to obtain compliance by others due to the level of power inculcated by the individual and the position the individual holds in an organization or workplace.

Leadership is the art of motivating a group of people towards achieving a common sense of purpose and objective.

Explanation of Solution

Power can be defined as the probability that one actor within a social relationship will be in a position to carry out his own will despite resistance. In other words, power involves one person changing the behavior of another. There are many types of power; coercive power, utilitarian power and normative power.

Authority represents the right to obtain compliance by others due to the level of power inculcated by the individual and the position the individual holds in an organization or workplace.

Leadership is the art of motivating a group of people towards achieving a common sense of purpose and objective. Leaders have an incisive mind to understand employees and colleagues; they also motivate employees towards employing their full efforts towards organizational performance that drives the organization forward.

That is, leaders do not force employees towards achieving goals rather they influence employees by explaining the significance of worker-commitment towards organizational success.