Difference Between Authority and Responsibility

Authority refers to the legal right of the manager to give orders and expect obedience from subordinates. On the other hand, responsibility is the corollary, i.e. result of the authority. ... While authority is delegated, by the superior to subordinates, responsibility is assumed, i.e. it is inherent in the task assigned.

1. What is the authority and responsibility?
2. What comes first authority or responsibility?
3. What are the differences between authority responsibility and accountability?
4. Why is authority equal to responsibility?
5. What happens when authority and responsibility are out of balance?
6. How does responsibility not work without authority?
7. What are the three types of authority?
8. What are the principles of authority?
9. Can you delegate authority and responsibility?
10. What is the definition of span of control?
11. What is the flow of responsibility?
12. What is authority responsibility and accountability?

What is the authority and responsibility?

Authority means a formal, institutional or legal power in a particular job, function or position that empowers the holder of that job, function or position to successfully perform his task. Responsibility is the obligation of a subordinate to perform a duty, which has been assigned to him by his superior.

What comes first authority or responsibility?

Authority refers to the legal right to relinquish command, influence or compel someone, while responsibility comes after authority. Authority can be obtained or delegated to anyone through charisma, tradition, and legality. At the same time, responsibility is assuming tasks delegated to be completed.

What are the differences between authority responsibility and accountability?

In general terms, authority is all about power. Responsibility is the commitment to fulfil work. Accountability refers to the responsibility to answer for duty. These terms hold deep meaning and are equally vital in management.

Why is authority equal to responsibility?

Authority is the right to give orders and the power to exact obedience. ... Authority and responsibility should be equal. In other words required amount of authority should be delegated to discharge responsibility. This principle avoids misuse of authority and at the same time helps in proper discharge of responsibility.

What happens when authority and responsibility are out of balance?

When a leader lacks clarity of authority and accountability, they are being setup for failure. No meaningful decisions can be made. ... Without accountability, people stay stuck in place, and the culture begins to crumble. Little success can happen for a leader or an organization with vague accountability and authority.

How does responsibility not work without authority?

You delegate someone a management job but one without the necessary management authorities. ... Lacking in authority, the person which was given the accountable job will resort to the only authority the person has; NAGGING or being a pain in the ass just to get things done.

What are the three types of authority?

The three attributes of authority have been described as status, specialist skills or knowledge, and social position. Children consider the type of command, the characteristics of the authority figure, and the social context when making authority conclusions.

What are the principles of authority?

Definition: The authority principle refers to a person's tendency to comply with people in positions of authority, such as government leaders, law-enforcement representatives, doctors, lawyers, professors, and other perceived experts in different fields.

Can you delegate authority and responsibility?

One of the benefits and responsibilities of management and supervisory positions is the delegation of certain tasks to subordinates. ... A common statement and concept within the study of management is that although you can delegate authority, you cannot delegate responsibility.

What is the definition of span of control?

Defining span of control

Span of control refers to the number of subordinates that can be managed effectively and efficiently by supervisors or managers in an organization. Typically, it is either narrow or wide resulting in a flatter or more hierarchical organizational structure.

What is the flow of responsibility?

The essence of responsibility is the obligation of a subordinate to perform the duty assigned. Usually, authority flows downwards whereas accountability flow upwards. Accountability always flows upwards; it is the act of being liable for actions and decisions.

What is authority responsibility and accountability?

In laymen terms, authority means nothing but power. Responsibility means an obligation to do anything. Accountability means responsibility to answer for the work. Authority, Responsibility, and Accountability are very deep terms and are equally important in management. ...