In this article, we have explained:

•  The concept of power, the relationship between power and force, Characteristics of power, Sources of power, Kinds of power.
•  The concept of authority, sources of authority and characteristics of authority.

Power

Power is the capacity to influence the behaviour of others. Politics is nothing but a struggle for power.

David Easton defines power as the “relationship in which one person or a group is able to determine the actions of another in the direction of the former’s ends.” 

Power is the ability of an individual to influence the actions of others in alignment with their own intentions.

An individual or a nation wields power to the extent he is capable of changing others’ behaviour according to his wish. 

Relationship Between Power and Force

Force means the reduction or limitation or closure of even total elimination of alternatives to the social action of one person or group by another person or group. The actual manifestation of power is force. Force is power in action or force is power exercised.

Characteristics of Power

Power must be backed by sanction: If the capacity of a person to get work done from others is devoid of coercion, that capacity or ability cannot be called power.

Power does not exist in vacuum: Power can only be exercised in relation to others, which creates a specific type of relationship. The act of wielding power requires the presence of an actor or subject, along with other individuals, enabling the actor to influence them according to their capacity and desires.

Power is situational: It depends on the situation, circumstances and position.

Power is not absolute but relative: When a person possesses power, it is crucial that there is someone willing to recognise its exercise as well. The concept of power is influenced by time. The dynamics of power relationships shift with evolving situations.

Sources of Power

There are many sources of power:

Knowledge: Knowledge plays a crucial role in personal and societal development. It enables individuals to move from ignorance to understanding, enhancing their ability to investigate, learn, think critically, and develop both the mind and soul. Leadership skills often stem from knowledge, making it a vital source of power in various contexts.

Organisation: The power of collaboration should not be underestimated. When individuals work together within an organisation, their collective strength increases significantly. Additionally, a person who has the support of an organisational leader tends to experience an enhancement of their own power.

Economic Status: An individual’s economic status can significantly influence their access to power. As political scientist Robert Dahl points out, those with greater resources are likely to acquire more power compared to others. Furthermore, one’s standing in the religious community can also act as a source of power, as religious followers often lend their support to influential figures within their faith.

Skill: The ability to navigate social dynamics and act tactfully can confer significant advantages in terms of power. Individuals with strong interpersonal skills often find themselves in positions of greater influence.

Faith or Belief: Power is also intertwined with public trust. A government or leader that enjoys the faith of its citizenry is inherently more powerful than those that do not, as this trust can galvanise support and compliance.

Authority: Authority refers to legitimate power derived from a recognised position within a political or legal framework. Individuals who occupy such positions typically experience an automatic increase in their power, as their role grants them the right to make decisions and enforce rules. 

Understanding these sources of power can provide insight into social dynamics and the mechanisms that underpin leadership and influence in various spheres of life.

Kinds of Power

Power can be categorised as either legitimate or illegitimate.

Legitimate power is exercised in accordance with established laws, the Constitution, or the widely accepted traditions of a community. It can manifest in three forms: constitutional power, which is rooted in the framework set forth by a country’s Constitution; traditional power, which draws from the customs and heritage of a society; and charismatic power, which originates from the personal attributes and leadership qualities of an individual.

Conversely, illegitimate power is characterised by its exercise outside the boundaries established by laws, the Constitution, or prevailing customs. It typically relies on coercion, force, or repression.

Authority

The word authority is derived from the old Roman notion of “Auctor” or “Auctoritos” which generally meant counsel or advice.

The term authority is essential to indicate the people who are considered to have the right to make pronouncements or announce decisions.

Authority has a double implication. It implies that individuals with the ability to provide well-reasoned elaborations are not only entitled to establish regulations and make authoritative statements but also have the expectation of receiving compliance from others.

According to Peters, the concept of authority is “incompatible with science and morality.” This is due to the fact that science proceeds by its own logic while morality depends on inner conviction. In both cases, authority is out of place.

Herbert A. Simon defines authority as “the power to make decisions which guide the actions of another. It is the relationship between individuals, one superior and the other subordinate. The superior frames and transmits decisions with expectations that they will be accepted by subordinates. The subordinates accept such decisions and his conduct is determined by them.”

Sources of Authority

According to Max Weber, there are three types of sources of political authority: traditional, charismatic and legal-rational. Traditional authority is that which is based on ancient customs or traditions or conventions. Charismatic authority rests on the devotion to the specific and exceptional sanctity, heroism or exemplary character of an individual person. Rational-legal authority is that which is used in accordance with the laws of the land. Such a kind of authority exists only in a democracy.

Characteristics of Authority 

There are certain characteristics of the concept of authority.

Legitimacy: It is legitimacy which determines the effectiveness of authority. Legitimacy is very essential for authority.

Dominance: Authority is the capacity of the individual to command others. An individual or group which possesses authority, exercises dominance over others. Authority is the command of senior officials given to their subordinates which is accepted by them.

Responsibility or accountability: The individual or the group which possesses authority is also answerable to some higher authority. In a democracy, responsibility or accountability is an important characteristic of authority.