Features of Authority

Features of Authority

    • Authority is vested with position so as to enable managers to achieve organizational objectives
    • It is the power to make decisions – purchase, plans, appointment of employees, promotion
    • It facilitates implementation of the decisions by guiding the subordinates
    • It enables to regulate the behaviour of subordinates – especially at times of conflict,
    • Different types of authority in an organizational context are; line, staff, and functional authority. Line authority is represented by the chain of command; an individual positioned above another in the hierarchy has the right to make decisions, issue directives, and expect compliance from lower-level employees. Staff authority is advisory authority; it takes the form of counsel, advice, and recommendation. People with staff authority derive their power from their expert knowledge and the legitimacy established in their relationships with line managers. Functional authority allows managers to direct specific processes, practices, or policies affecting people in other departments; functional authority cuts across the hierarchical structure.
    • Farm Managers by virtue of their position has the authority to assign work, hire employees, purchase machineries, inputs etc., required for the operation of the firm. In organizations with many levels of hierarchy, the extent of authority at each level is clearly defined to avoid confusion.

Last modified: Tuesday, 5 June 2012, 7:47 AM