Person in Authority

A Person in Authority is a person with delegated power (to make decisions and enforce rules within their jurisdiction).

• AKA: Authority Figure.
• Context:
  • It can exercise Legitimate Power through formal position.
  • It can implement Policy Decision through organizational process.
  • It can enforce Rule Compliance through authority mechanism.
  • It can delegate Specific Authority to subordinate role.
  • It can maintain Organizational Control through governance structure.
  • ...
  • It can often provide Strategic Direction through leadership approach.
  • It can often resolve Organizational Conflict through mediation process.
  • It can often manage Resource Allocation through administrative system.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Team Leader to being an Executive Leader, depending on its organizational level.
  • It can range from being a Formal Authority to being an Informal Authority, depending on its authority source.
  • It can range from being a Limited Authority to being a Complete Authority, depending on its jurisdiction scope.
  • ...
  • It can have Legal Responsibility for compliance requirement.
  • It can establish Performance Standard for operational outcome.
  • It can oversee Quality Control for process improvement.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • Organizational Authoritys, such as:
    • Corporate Leaders, such as:
      • Chief Executive Officer for enterprise management.
      • Department Manager for unit supervision.
    • Educational Leaders, such as:
      • School Principal for institution administration.
      • Department Chair for academic oversight.
  • Government Authoritys, such as:
    • Public Officials, such as:
      • Elected Representative for constituent service.
      • Agency Director for program administration.
    • Law Enforcement Officials, such as:
      • Police Chief for public safety.
      • Court Judge for legal administration.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • Subject Matter Expert, which has knowledge authority but lacks formal power.
  • Informal Influencer, which has social influence but lacks official position.
  • Team Contributor, which has operational responsibility but lacks decision authority.
• See: Authority System, Organizational Hierarchy, Leadership Role, Power Structure, Decision Making Process.

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