Question

According to Henri Fayol, how is authority defined?

• A. The ability to influence others through persuasion.
• B. The right to give orders and obtain obedience.
• C. The power derived from one's social status.
• D. The capacity to make decisions without oversight.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. The right to give orders and obtain obedience.

• According to Henri Fayol, authority is defined as the "right to give orders and the power to exact obedience." It is one of his 14 principles of management, and Fayol stressed that authority and responsibility should be balanced. A manager needs the authority to carry out their duties, and with that authority comes the responsibility for the results. Without sufficient authority, a manager cannot perform their job effectively, and without responsibility, they may abuse their power.