Which definition best corresponds to Authority?

Which definition best corresponds to Authority?

• A. Establishes reason, motive, and importance
• B. Obligation to act
• C. A formal right to make decisions
• D. Power of the leader to direct subordinates to act

Answer: (D)

Authority is the formal power vested in a leader to direct the actions of subordinates. It comes with the ability to issue orders, set expectations, and coordinate tasks that others are expected to carry out. Among the options, the best match emphasizes this practical, directive capacity—the leader’s power to direct others to act. The idea of establishing reason or motive is about justification, not command; the obligation to act describes duty, not the actual power to guide others; and a formal right to make decisions focuses on decision rights rather than the ongoing ability to direct people’s behavior. In real leadership, authority is what enables you to influence work by directing your team.

Authority is the formal power vested in a leader to direct the actions of subordinates. It comes with the ability to issue orders, set expectations, and coordinate tasks that others are expected to carry out. Among the options, the best match emphasizes this practical, directive capacity—the leader’s power to direct others to act. The idea of establishing reason or motive is about justification, not command; the obligation to act describes duty, not the actual power to guide others; and a formal right to make decisions focuses on decision rights rather than the ongoing ability to direct people’s behavior. In real leadership, authority is what enables you to influence work by directing your team.