Write a short note on power and authority.

We can make distinction between power and authority, putting the following points :

(i) When a person exercises his influence over the other person or persons irrespective of the will of the latter, this influence is called power. Authority, on the contrary, is an exercise of influence which is voluntarily accepted by the persons on whom it is exercised. The authority is a legitimate power.

(ii) The use of force (power) by a despot or a tyrant may be power, whereas that of the head of the state in modern societies is an authority. The authority, thus, is a socially recognized influence.

(iii) There are several factors which determine the nature of power individually or in combination. These factors have sociological importance. Some of these factors are :

(a) Social position,

(b) Prestige,

(c) Fame

(d) The physical and material prowers; and

(e) Education, knowledge, ability and excellence.

(iv) When the power is legitimatized it becomes authority only then it is accepted by the people voluntarily. Max weber points three bases of legalization of power and classifies three corresponding types of authority. The authorities are : (a) the traditional authority. (6) The charismatic authority and (c) The legal-rational authority.