Difference between authority and responsibility
What is the distinction between authority and responsibility?
Authority refers to the power or right to give instructions, make decisions, and take action within a defined scope, while responsibility is the obligation to perform assigned tasks and be accountable for the outcomes. Authority grants the ability to exercise control, while responsibility defines the scope of one's duties and obligations.
How does authority flow through different levels of hierarchy?
Authority flows through different levels of hierarchy in a top-down manner in a traditional organizational structure. Top-level executives have the highest authority and decision-making power, which they delegate to lower levels of management. Each level of management has the authority to make decisions and provide guidance to the level below. Authority flows through the chain of command, with higher-level managers providing direction, setting goals, and allocating resources to lower-level managers and employees. Theflow of authority ensures that decisions are made within the established organizational structure and that employees understand the lines of authority and their respective roles and responsibilities.