Business and discussion
You need to post two discussion and more than 300 words each.
In this module we focus on power within complex/formal organizations but from your reading of Weber, you should recognize that power is perhaps better expressed through a leader’s cultivation of authority. In your response, first distinguish between power and authority and then discuss how legal rational authority, coupled with bureaucratic structure, helps organizations and organizational leaders become more effective. Finally, discuss how you think power may be effectively applied by conveying your understanding of influence and the types of power discussed in my notes from Hall’s chapter.
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Power versus Authority
Power is defined by Weber as the ability of a person, group or organization to influence the actions of others, controlling and exerting influence on the events and outcomes (Aron, 1971). Therefore, power is the possession of the influence and the ability to control the action of other people through the use of authority or other means. , on the other hand, is more of a right given to a particular person or position with a view to achieving desired results. Authority is a right because it involves making decisions, giving orders and getting the target person to obey those orders.
Power and authority though related are two different concepts in an organization’s setting. The latter, authority, is often derived from the responsibilities and deliverables assigned to the holder of a certain position in a bureaucratic structure.