Notes

Unit 2: Power and Authority

CONTENTS

Objectives

Introduction

2.1 Distinction of Power with Force, Influence and Authority

2.2 Authority, Legitimacy and Influence
2.2.1 The Nature of Authority
2.3 Legitimacy
2.3.1 Influence
2.4 Summary
2.5 Keywords
2.6 Review Questions
2.7 Further Readings

Objectives
After reading this unit, students will be able to:
y define Power.
y define authority.
y differentiate between Power and Authority.
y understand the legitimacy and effect.

Introduction
Under the study of political science, it becomes necessary that the study of those elements which
fix the public behavior of the man and the elements which effect the political arrangement. If we
take the practical view point, the only element that emerges out is definitely ‘Power’. Since ancient
time, the scholars of political science have accepted the significance of power. In India, the father of
political science Kotilya has assumed Dand Shakti – a synonym of power, to be the basic
foundation of politics. He has written, “The basic foundation of the entire world life is Dand
Shakti". In fact, entire Indian literative is full of the significance of Dand Shakti. This can be seen
under the western political science. According to Becker, “Politics is inseparable from power” and
Ketlin has assumed politics as ‘The science of power’. Berterd Russel has considered power to be
the basic concept of social science. According to L.S. Almer, “In all the social sciences, no other is
as much related to the idea of power as political science. After analyzing the subject area of the
writers from Aristotle to the today, it becomes undoubtedly clear that power had been the central
idea with which political science was clarified." R.M. Macawer, Boyserted, Whatkins and
William A. Robson have also expressed the similar thoughts.
 Unit 2: Power and Authority

It becomes necessary to understand the concept of power in political science so that the prevailing Notes
myths about it can be rectified. Famous quote of Lord Actin; “Power corrupts and uncontrolled
power completely corrupts”; gives rise to a wrong idea about power in our mind and heart. Infact,
power is necessary for social arrangement and without power no social arrangement can be
imagined. Corruption can be joined only with the excessive power or misuse of power. Similarly as
a moral assumption ‘Truth Always Triumphs’ is a completely right and in human life this should
be our ideal but the reality is that truth can triumph only when there is power behind it. From the
view point of reality, truth and power are complementary to each other and Pascal on the same
basis has expressed his views about justice and need for the collection of power.

Meaning and Explanation of Power

According to Robert A. Dall the main problem in the study of power is that it has many meaning,
reality is that power has been defined in different forms by different thinkers. Some of the definition
of power are:
According to Robert Boyrstad, "Power is the ability to use force and not its actual use."
Maciber, “From power, we mean the ability to control, regulate and direct the individuals or their
behavior.”
Margenthou, "There is a psychological relation between those who use power and on those the
power is use. Power includes everything through which the control over the individuals is
established and maintained."
According to Gold Hammer and Shils, “A person is considered powerful upto the extent he is able
to effect the other behavior as per his objectives”.
Argenski, “Power is the ability to influence others behavior according to our objectives.
Laswell, Keplan and Herbort Simen have defined power in the form of “Influence Process”.
According to them using the power, works and policies of others are influenced and in this process
there is a strong relationship between the two parties. According to Rober A. Dall, “Power is the
name of such a special condition of the people under which one party after influencing. The other
party, makes them to do such work which they otherwise had never done”.
As per the above ideas of Laswell and Keplan; ‘power’ is considered to be the synonym of
‘Influence’. This is true under some circumstances but not in all power and influence can be found
only in one person or they can be in different individual or individual groups.

Notes Hitler and Changej Khan were symbolic of only power, but in Nepolian and
Lincoln both power and influence can be seen.

Power and influence both change the behavior of an individual, but this change was due to the
power or influence this can be decided by that individual only. They both growth of each other.
Infact power instead of being as simple element of life is a very complex are and as per Maciber it
is a multidimensional element. For example, when it is power on the cabinet but this statement
though not completely useless yet it is not useful. In order to find the correct form of power, we
need to mention many things. For example, what is the source of prime minister’s power, what is
the basis and area, which means does the prime minister adopt to use his power of on the cabinet
and what is the quality of his power on the cubit or how vast is this power.
 Unit 2: Power and Authority

Notes Conclusively, three things can be said about political power. First, it is natural to be a visible high
position relation in the people who have political power. Second, ultimately the political power is
used on the common man and he has to abide by those who use the authority. Third, political
power depicts only the psychological relation and not the physical ones.

2.1 Distinction of Power with Force, Influence and Authority

Power and Force

Usually power and force are considered to be the same but in reality they both are different. Power
is not synonymous for Force because power is hidden force and force is visible power. Force can
remain in the background of force but that is totally different. Power is invisible element and force
is visible element force means appointment of sanctions or arrangement of prohibitions in which
ordinary fine to capital punishment are included. From this view point power is an emotion or
complete capacity which makes force possible.
According to Robert Boysterd “Power is the capacity to use force and not its actual use”. Infact
force is a form of power but only force is not power. Boysterd has given three forms of Power”.
Force, effect and authority. Force remains in the subjugation power is the same manner in which
thunder is in cloud. When the force becomes termless and objectless, then it is called subjugation.
Limited, accepted and controlled force is called sanctions and in this way, power is more wide
element than force.
Distinction between political power and military power—Though both military power and
political power, both are the types of power but they cannot be considered one. Political power is a
complex word in which other forms of power are always included like, money, armament, citizen
authority, effect on vote etc. Army power is a clear element which is based on the military power.
In politics, military power has a negligible place because power is not the actual use of power but
the capability to use power. Margenthou has considered political a power to be the psychological a
power according to which one man controls the activities and brain of the other. Military force is
the actual use of Subjugation whenever the actual use of violence takes place it means political
power has addicted in favour of military or paramilitary power. But Dazle is in favour of keeping
military power under political power. According to him conflict is the essence of politics whether is
by words or by violence. From this point of view, military power should be considered the sub-
department of political power. Even then military power remain in the background of political
power. Political power is based on the elements like psychological effects, leadership and self will.

Did You Know? Arrangement based on arms, violence or subjugation is symbolic of the
society of pre-historic age which can never be a matter of prestige for any
civilized political society.

Power and Influence

Similarities: If power and influence are similar to each other on some grounds then on other side
there are significant difference in the two Braches and Barat, in their book ‘Political Power’ have
given a lot of differences between the two. According to these writers, both power and force are
intellectual and relational and give strength to each other. Both are effected after appropriateness.
Influence produces
 Unit 2: Power and Authority

power and power produces influence. Both require each other. Power and influence can be found Notes
in two different people as well as both can be found in the same person. Power and influence both
effect the behavior of a person, but it is very difficult to final whether the change in the individual is
due to the power or influence. This can be decided only by the concerned person. They both can be
growthful for each other.
Differences—Inspite of being related to each other, power and influence have many important
differences:
1. Power is Subjugatory and strong physical force and prohibitions work behind it.
Whenever power is applied, these remains no option but accept it for the individuals or
groups effected by it. The influence is requesting, self wished and psychological.
2. Power usually remains with the power holder as a free element. This can be used by the
power holder against the wishes of others and their opposition. Influence is relational and
its success is based on the acceptance of the influenced person. This means that influence
depends upon the self-will of the influenced person.
3. Power is assumed to be undemocratic. It calls the anti-power and is based on fear. On the
contrary, influence is completely democratic and is utilized with willingness. The effect of
influence is due to the similarity of ideas and values.
4. There are so many limitations on the power and use of power. However strong is the
power, it requires the assistance of one or the other type of influence. Otherwise as soon as
the power will become weak or due to the lack of prohibition, power will not be obeyed.
Effect of influence is unlimited and once influence is gained, it can be freely utilized
because there becomes an relation and when influence is obtained is true sense then power
becomes unnecessary.
5. Power should be considered as the outer element of civilization and culture. This can be
used in specific, limited and significant manner. The form of the user of the power is
usually predecided whereas influence is usually, personal, formless and unclear.
There are some examples in which power and influence remains repartee from each other. A person
inspite of having power can be in influencial. For example, this was the similar condition of Yahya
Khan in connection of East Bengal between 25 March, 1971 to 16th December, 1971. He only had the
power of East Bengal but not the influence. On the other side, since Dec. 1971, Shaikh Mujeebur
Rehman had influence in East Bengal, but no power or authority. So, influence does not require power
and power can also remain without influence. But this condition does not remain for a long time.
Shaikh Mujeeb, who only had influence before 16th December, 1971, also attained power on East Bengal
in December, 1971.

Task Differentiate between Power and Force.

Power and Authority

Political Organization are constructed by those structures which abide by the use of force and are
related to the social cooperation and leadership. In them, power and authority have a significant
place. Power is the capacity of doing free work inspite of the opposition by the individuals, groups
or physical circumstances. This is the capacity to give orders. This can be seen as the ability to
complete one’s wishes in an effective manner and which if required can be imposed on others.
There are innumerable examples in history where other states were unofficially or they were
defeated but later on gradually they got the public acceptance and they became the authority.
Without authority,
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Notes power is uninstitutional, circumstancial, uncertain and unaccomplished. Authority is institutional

and because of that it is determined from subject area and nature. Its direction are obeyed as
obstacle causing authority is fixed, clear and visible so can be trusted on various levels in individuals,
institutions and groups. Power lack such clarity and tranquility.
Charles E. Marium, in ‘Political Power has not differentiated in power and authority but in reality
this point of view is not correct. Power is a tool of subjugation and its effect is physical. Authority
can be based on agreement and along with that can be more influencial. These are many political
and social institutions which use so much authority but are based on agreement. Teacher, journalist
and social workers are not based on authority but even they are respected so much.
In political arrangements and organizations, there are so many such examples where a senior
person has power but this is an unwanted situation. One of the burning problem of politics is the
balance between the two which can be solved by successful leadership. To do this is necessary
because even the most favorite ruler needs both power and authority in order to administer the
ruling authority.

Sources of Power
In order to understand the meaning of power; we need to study the sources of power. Infact, power
emerges from the different sources and presents itself in different forms. Nepoleon, Hitler, Lennin,
and Gandhi, —they all were powerful but their sources of power were different. It is not possible to
give a complete list of the sources of power because there is a lot of differences in the thinkers about
it. But even, then some of major sources of power are given below:
1. Knowledge: Knowledge is the first source of power. Knowledge in its simplest sense gives
human being capacity to re-establish and obtain his aim. Other specialties of the individual
are monitorsel in such a way by knowledge so that they become the means of power.
Important aspects of power are the leadership quality, will power, tolerance and power to
express himself. Out of all these elements, lack of any one of them can make the entire
form of power as unsuccessful and can destroy it completely.
2. Possession: Knowledge is the internal source of power. But a part from it there are external
sources to fix the power in which possessions are the most important. In common man’s
terminology, this is called economic power. Under possessions, we can include physical
material, power of ownership, and social material level and position of an individual in society
etc. Though possession or property is a source of power but this is neither the only source nor
is it an influential source. Even without property, a person can influence the works of other
people, and it is also not necessary that after having property, he will be able to influence
others.
3. Organisation: Organisation in itself is an important source of power. It is said “Unity is strength".
Various competitive units when jointly make union then their power increases many folds.
Labour union and trader’s union are the examples of the modern times. From the viewpoint
of power, undoubtedly, state is the biggest union and its major reason is the most organized
form of the state.
4. Shape: Many times, shape is considered to be the introductory to power and it is believed
that the shape of a union, gives introduction to its power. If shape and union are
unanimous, then it so happens, but not in all circumstances. Many times bigger shape,
makes it complex and disbalanced and does not let remain according to the circumstances.
That is why some political parties take shelter of purges in order to decrease their shape.
Trust also very important as a source of power. The power of sword also ultimately depends on the
trust. Another source of power is authority. The greatness of power is determined by its ability to
effect the human mind. Prof. Maciber, after describing the various elements of power, has said that
“The working ability of power increases or decreases by those various circumstances under
which it has to work.”
 Unit 2: Power and Authority

Types of Power Notes

Power is multityped and it has various kinds. Scholars have also expressed different ideas about
the types of power. According to Goldhemmer and Edward Shilz, “An individual’s power is
only the quantity in which he can change the behavior of the other as per his desire. According
to this idea of change in the behavior, power is a three types “Force, Authority and
Manipulation.” A powerful person is supposed to be using power when he influences the
behavior of his subordinates by physical power when the powerful person after showing his wish,
influences the behavior of the others then it is called authority. Authority can be in form of
direction or request. Manipulation is a way of influencing others behavior in which the people
who are being influenced are not told clear what the powerful person wants from them. In this
last process, the method of conversing using various methods and symbols is used.
Max Weber studies only reasonable power and call it authority. Reasonable power is that power
which is either accepted willingly or forcibly. Power which is not reasonable, Weber Calls is
Coercion. Weber has given three major forum of reasonable power: (i) Legal or constitutional (ii)
Traditional; (iii) Charismatic. Whenever, the subordinates believe in the validity of the laws,
directions and decrees made by the powerful people, then this reasonable power is called
constitutional. When the direction given by the powerful person is considered sacred on the basis
of tradition and he uses the power in the name of tradition, then this reasonable power is called
traditional power. Thirdly when the basis of the reason is the devotion towards the powerful due
to his personal qualities, then this is called charistmatic reasonable power. Usually under
christmatic reasonable power, the descriples consider the qualities of their leader to be
incomparable and they completely surrender in front of him. Pt. Nehru had this charismatic power
in his most of the years of his prime ministership and Mrs. Indira Gandhi had such charismatic
power in the years 1971-72 over the Indian people.
Boysterd has also given many types of power on many basis: (i) On the basis of visibility power can
be visible or invisible. The invisible form of power is called latest power and when the visible form
is power is depicted then it is called authority, force etc. (ii) From the view point of coercion power
can be coercisive and non-coercisive. (iii) From the view point of formality, power can be formal or
informal; (iv) From the view point of the use of power, this can be direct when used the power
holder and indirect when used by the subordinates.
1. From the view point of the direction of power, it could be single dimension, double
dimension or multidimension.
2. From the view point of centralization power can be centralized, decentralized or widely
distributed. In centralized, the control is in central authority, when it is decentralized, it
is distributed to various undertakings autonomous or semi-autonomous basis. Widely
distributed power is distributive, unclear like public power.
3. On the basis of the area, power is related to particular physical area or it is international.
4. On the basis of the quality and influence, various state are called, super, medioker or law
powers.
In this way, power can have various forous.

Uses and Limitations of Power

Power is used on the basis of various sanctions or means e.g. award, punishment, giving or
stopping monetary gain etc. The quantity and type of these means can vary according to the
country, time and particular culture. While using power can mean can be adopted like
imprisionment, physical assault, fine, dismissal or insult. Similarly in order to use power on an
institution, threatening or offers can be used as per the requirement. For example the President of
U.S.A., in order to have his influence
 Unit 2: Power and Authority

Notes on the congress, either offer posts to the members of congress and their supports or talk of calling a
special session or talking directly to the voters or threatens to use veto power against on particular
laws, whenever one of these fails, the other one is used. Usually, we get success in the use of power
but at times it remains unsuccessful as well.
But power is not used freely and it has many restriction and limitation on it. These limitations are
related to many things like history and tradition, ways to get agreement or permission, effect of
political development, religion, morality and pressure of morality and groups. Limitation of
power also origins from the aims and objectives of the user, his capacity, interpersonal relation,
competition, working methods and environment etc.

View Point of Power in Political Science

One of the main objective of political science is find that power is in whose hand and how is it being
used. That is why, they modern political thinkers are taking more interest in expressing the idea of
power rather than expressing the idea of state. Infact, power the heart of the political research and
its clear benefit is that through this the activity to influence others can be understood. But earlier the
idea of power had a relevant place in the study of politics. In the ancient times, idea of power was
considered to be unlimited and that is why it is obvious to have doubts about it.
Presently, the idea of power has gain enough significance and popularity. George Katlin and
Hereld D. Laswell has expressed their ideas about it in detail. Laswell is the most famous and
influencial researcher of the present times.
Thoughts of George Katlin : George Katlin was the first person who has developed the arranged
theory or promised structure by taking power as the central point. Katlin has considered power as
the basic element of life. According to Katlin, every individual wants to fulfill his wish and this
wish is the basis of all his work. In order to fulfill his wish, he has to regulate the others wishes and
whenever the individual tries in this direction, the power or the element of conflict rises.
The study of power does not make it completely clear that how the Government controls the society
or how does it establishes the arrangement. Rather, through thin study, we contemplate on this vast
problem that how does an individual or a group influence the wishes of others Katlin believes, “If
the conflict of wishes is made the basis of political science, then the remaining subject material of
the political science will be clarified automatically”.
Thoughts of Laswell : The most descriptive analysis of the concept of power is found in the
creatism of Laswell and Kaplan. Though both Katlin and Laswell both are unanimous in giving
emphasis on power but Laswell has considered the study of politics at a larger scale and that is
why, his results are of different kinds.
Laswell believes that political science is not basically a process of power but this is a study of the
changes in the condition and making of values in society. So, in political science power and values
both have to be studied and their interdependence has to be clarified. In his book “who gets, what,
when and how”, he has clarified that what is the source of power that the upper political class
possess. This book mainly describes those to mean through which people of upper class reach at
the designation of power and remain there and try to gain their security, income and respect. If we
consider the political idea to be the study of the form changing value then this book of Laswell will
be considered to express only a small portion of this complete process. Many thinkers have
considered the idea of Laswell to be a conservative ideology because on its basis Laswell has
considered the entire subject material of political science to be a conflict for power. After this
another book of Laswell titled ‘Power and Society’ was published and in this book, he has
included the distribution of values also in the study of political science.
 Unit 2: Power and Authority

Self Assessment Notes

Multiple Choice Questions:
1. Writer of the statement “Power is the origin of directive influences” is:
(a) Laswell (b) Bertard Russel
(c) Laski (d) Plato
2. Bystard has given how many types of power:
(a) Three (b) Four
(c) Five (d) Six
3. Wish and desire of obedience is in:
(a) Authority (b) Freedom
(c) Equality (d) Justice

2.2 Authority, Legitimacy and Influence

“Authority is the institutional right to use the power, it is not power itself” — Boystrad.

Role of Authority in Politics

Authority can be called the soul of the body of politics. This is the main tool of power, influence
and leadership and all the political process are based on authority like construction of law, Co-
ordination, Discipline and delegation. Authority has important role in both formal and informal
organization and authority cannot be ignored in political life. Under special circumstances, any
individual or a group of individuals can keep the authority without having formal authority. In
democracy, it is very necessary that authority has to be accepted by the subordinates or the public.
In state arrangements and in politics, it is very important to increase the quantity of authority. The
achievement of political goals is related to it and depends on it to a great extent.

Concept of Authority: Meaning and Description

According to the International Dictionary of Social Sciences, authority can be defined in many ways.
There are so many description of authority, but in all forms authority is associated with power,
influence and leadership. Some of the definitions of Authority are as follows:
Boystard, “Authority is the institutional right to use the power but it is not power itself”.
According to Beach, “Authority is the legitimate right to influence or direct the work."
According to Henry Kayol, “Authority is the right to give order and the power to or get it
implemented.” According to Allen, “The powers and rights is to make possible the finalisation of
the given work
possible is called authority.”
Theo Hemen has given the definition of authority in more clarity. According to him, “Authority is
that constitutional power on the basis of which the subordinate are asked to work and they can be
compelled and in case of the prohibition of the rules, the disciplinary action can be taken against
them. They can even be dismissed.”
All these scholars have defined authority as the high rank power to take decision, to give order and
to get that order implemented. In all these definitions only formal or only legal aspect of the
authority has been considered. And in this way, all these definit clarify only one aspect. Authority is
high level
 Unit 2: Power and Authority

Notes power to give order but the orders of the authority holders are not implemented only due to this one
of the basis of the implementation or order is they consent of those who are ordered or the
subordinates. When the subordinates accept that this source of order is right and valid only then
the officer who is giving order is called "representative" (authoritarian). Unlike power, authority is
not based on sanctions rather it is the means to make the other behavior favourable and influence
it. According to a report of UNESCO, “Authority is a power which is accepted, respected, known
and valid”.
Scholars like Mary Park Faulet, Chester Bernard and Simen has described authority from
behavioural and psychological aspect. They give more importance to validity and consent of the
subordinate gives birth to the relationship based on the consent of the subordinate. In this context,
Simen’s definition is more important. According to him, “Authority right is the power of taking
decision and giving direction activities of the others. This establishes the relationship between the
officer and subordinate. The officer takes the decision and expects his subordinates to follow them.
Subordinates expects those decision and their behavior is finalized by these decision.
In this way, authority has two aspects, “First, the upper power to take decision and give orders.
Secondly, the consent of the subordinate keeping these two elements in view, authority can be
defined as Authority is that power situation or right of taking decision, giving orders and making
to follow them; which is accepted by the subordinates and is followed to meet the institutional
objectives.

2.2.1 The Nature of Authority

There is difference of opinion about the nature of authority and in this relation two theories have
been formulated. Both these theories have been formulated by Prof. Beach which are as follows:
1. Formal Theory : According to this theory authority has a right to give orders and the flow of
authority is from top to bottom. This right is given to the senior or special officers and this makes
the post sequence of Authority.
There is valid power of arrangement or organization behind the authority. Due to this power it is
accepted. Authority does not compulsory tell about the personal superiority. Authority holder is
just a symbol of the inclusive power in an arrangement or organization Maciber has called it
“Magic of Rule” that a person who gives order may not be more intelligent than his subordinates,
may not be more capable and may not be superior than his subordinates from any view point and
even out times could be inferior to them, even then being in the condition of Authority, he gives
order and directions and all his orders are followed.
2. Acceptance Theory : Behaviourists or human relationists having no faith in formal theory,
advocate Acceptance Theory. According to these realistic scholars, authority is formal only legally,
but actually, the success of the right authority or order depends upon the acceptance of the
subordinates. When subordinates accept the order in the limitations of their capability and
understanding then this becomes condition of authority. Bearnard has written in his book “The
function of the Executive” that in order to make the subordinates follow the rules there are four
conditions which are to be fulfilled: (i) Subordinate understands or is able to understand the order
or information. (ii) While taking his decision, he must have a belief that the order is not irrelevant
to the objectives of the organization. (iii) While taking decision, he must think that in totality the
related order must be in favour of his personal benefits. (iv) He must have the physical and mental
capacity of following that order.
Infact both the theories about the nature of authority have their own weakness and these can be
called extremist. Accepting, the truth of both the theories, a balanced view point has been
developed, under which is the concept of Authority, both institutional validity power and
acceptance of subordinates have significant place. This is a right view point and in political science
usually this is accepted.
 Unit 2: Power and Authority

Sources and Types of Authority Notes

Investigation of Authority is being done since Sokratis, Plato, Augustine investigation was
presented by political and social analyst Max Waber in twentieth century. There is a deep
relationship between authority and validity and Max Waber has described the sources and types of
authority keeping validity as the basis. According to him, on the basis of its source, authority is of
three types:
1. Traditional : When the orders of the public or the subordinate senior officers are accepted on the
basis that it has always happened then this type of authority is called traditional. In this way
traditional authority implies to that right of rule which has emerged from the continuous use of
politics. In this kind of authority delegation is just temporary and completely depends upon the will
of the supreme authoritarian. Subordinates are considered servants and they follow the orders due
to the specific person who is symbolic of tradition e.g., king in the monarchy.
2. Rational Legal or Legal Bureaucratic Authority : When the subordinates accept any rule on the
basis that the rule is in accordance with high level formless rules which they consider valid, then in
this situation, authority is called rational legal. This authority is gained after obtaining a position
under constitutional rules. In U.S. when any candidate for the presidentship obtains the majority of
votes of the election committee and in India when the members party having majority in the lower
house, make somebody Prime Minister by electing him their leader. This authority is based on
rational logical grounds. In this authority is organized on rational basis and all the workers follow
the orders given by the person established constitutionally. This form of authority depicts the
modern bureaucracy in its pure form.
3. Charismatic Authority: When the subordinates consider the orders of the authoritarian justified
on the basis of the fact that they have personal influence of the authoritarian, then this is called
charismatic authority. In this subordinate behave as personal servants. Subordinates are followers
and they follow the orders of their favourite leader due to his charismatic and idealistic personality,
Max Waber, presents analysis of only valid authority. Max Wabers says that Rational Legal
Authority is weak and can be broken so in order to give it strength, the elements of traditional and
charismatic should be added to it.

Various Norms of Organizational Authority

(On the basis of Max Waber)

Types of Authority Organizational types Mode of Using To whom is the workers

of the workers Authority group obedient
Traditional Servant Adhoc Personality of the leader and
tradition
Rational Legal Bureau/department Rational Personal arrangement
established legally
Charismatic Personal official or Indirect Idealistic Charismatic
servant personality of the leader

From the view point of the institutional power, authority is used in various ways and on the basis of
this authority, there could be two more types of authority: (i) From zonal view point national,
provential and local. (ii) National and International in a comparison of wider view (iii) From
constitutional view point obtained from constitution and from ordinary law. (iv) On the basis of the
traditional parts of Government executive legislative and judiciary. (v) From political view point
political and administrative. (vi) From the point of view of various subjects authority can be economic,
social, religious or technical.
All these various types of authority can be considered from the view point of its use and there is no
basic difference in all these so called forms of authority.
 Unit 2: Power and Authority

Notes Basis of Authority

Authority is such a indipendent difference which is closely related to power, influence etc. There
can be so many sources and basis of authority. The main foundation of authority is only validity
because the orders are followed on the basis of the equality of values between the officer and the
subordinates. Apart from that faith, similarity of thoughts, various punishment process, nature of
subordinates, environmental pressure etc, work as the basis of authority. Environmental pressures
are of both forms internal as well as external. In the state arrangements, interval pressure are in the
form of eights or powers of post of position holders of the internal political structures like
constitution, administrative organization apart from this the work effectiveness and personal
qualities of the authorization also work as the basis of authority. The wish to well maintain the
existence of his state works as the basis of authority as an external factor.
In order to accept the authority, the subordinate has a 'zone of indifference'. Under which he
follows the orders blindly. The field of acceptance is limited and keeps on increasing and
decreasing. Usually, the subordinate has tendency to follow the orders of the officer in every subject
because in this way he gets exempted from the responsibilities. From the subordinates view point, it
is important that the order should be in the benefit of the organization as well for them personally.
He can follow the order for award, appreciation, greed or due to the fear of punishment when the
authoritarian, apart from the authority, also possess the leadership and other personal qualities,
then it becomes obvious on the part of the subordinates to follow the order. When the equality of
values is established between the authoritarian and subordinating then the effectiveness of
authority is maximum. This area of acceptance of authority is neither limited nor unchangeable. It
keeps on increasing and decreasing on the basis of the condition of the authoritarian, condition of
relationship between the authoritarian and subordinates and many other elements.

Basis to Follow Authority

Why do the people accept authority? This is an important question in the context of authority. In
relation to the nature of the two theories: Formal authority theory and Acceptance theory; have
given explanation to this question. Apart from that Max Waber, Marry Parker Folet and Chester
Bernard have also expressed their ideas about this, but Simen’s ideas are more important. Simen
has given mainly four basis to follow the authority.
1. Faith : Faith is the main basis to follow the authority. Subordinates follow the orders of the
officer because of their faith in them. That is why deeper the faith in the officer, simpler and
natural becomes the fot following of the authority by the subordinates. But when this faith is
broken in that case it becomes very difficult to make the subordinates follow the authoritarian
and then the power of pressurization is used.
2. Unanimity : This is a human nature that he gives more importance to the suggestions and advises
of those people who have a unanimity. In the context of the authority follow, by accepting the
importance of unanimity, state arrangements propagate any of the ideology from liberalization,
socialism or fascism as per their accordance and try to convert the political leader subordinates and
common citizen as per their wish.
3. Pressure : Many times, pressure and power of obstacle work as the basis to follow the authority.
In every organization or state organization there are some people in minority who are not
influenced by faith or unanimity and they understand only the language of subjugation. Every
authoritarian should try not to use pressure as the main basis to make the authority followed. So,
from this point of view, it is necessary that the reasons of the orders given by the authoritarian are
automatically clear.
 Unit 2: Power and Authority

4. Validity : In every organization has a hierarchical system and under this system the authoritarian Notes
having the highest position, his authority and his orders become valid. As per Simen, “Authority is
accepted with the recognition that officer’s orders should be followed.” The importance of validity
is quite clear from the fact that in the context of authority whenever there is a 'problem of validity'
then the influence of validity is severely effected.
Infact all these elements work together as basis for authority sometimes faith become main basis
and sometimes pressure. The symbol of evidence of the excellence of the arrangement is that faith
becomes the most important foundation to follow the authority and pressure remains as a trivial
element in this context.

Limitations of Authority
Without authority, we can not even imagine to have an organized society. But a cultural and
civilized society makes some limitations for authority which have to be followed necessarily.
Limitation of authority imply to the management of use and implementation of the authority so
that this can not be used as per the whims and fancies. Authority has to work under the limitation
of constitutional laws and political situations and it cannot over rule the culture, values and
traditional and moral concepts. These limitations of authority can be related to physical, moral, for
objectives, internal or external activities. Brief description of the limitation of the authority are as
follows:
1. Natural Limitation : Whether or not there is a mention of basic rights in the constitution, no state
organization can have a right that it prohibits the citizens from their life, common freedom and
limited property. This is the first and compulsory limitation of the authority and any authority
which crosses this limit is deemed to fall.
2. Moral Religious Faith : Morality and religious faith is also a compulsory limitation of the
authority. Whenever any authority orders against the moral and religious faith; then it becomes
very difficult to make it to be followed.
3. Culture : Culture is the way of living of the people which expresses itself as art, literature,
religion, fashion, music and ideas. Authority can have no right to interfere in the culture or cultural
life of the society and it can do nothing in the field of culture.
4. Constitution, Rules and Sub-rule : Constitution is the ultimate source of state authority. So even
for supreme authority, constitutional acts have to be followed. Apart from it, every organization
makes some sub-rules for the effective management. These rules and sub-rules also determine the
limitations of authority.
5. Economic Limitations: Every state organization has limited economic means and economic
capacity. So these economic means and capacity also limit the authority.
6. Capacities of Subordinates and the unions made by the subordinates : Any authority works
through the subordinates. So, the limits of the capacity of subordinates, determine the limits of
authority. Apart from that is most of the organizations, the subordinates form unions for their
personal benefits and growth and in this way try to bargain collectively this condition also obstructs
the condition of authority.
7. International Organization and Laws : In the present time, the existence of United Nations and
other international organization and partial recognition of international laws has also bring
limitation to the authority. Though international organizations and international law do not have the
power to obstruct but along with that it is equally true that the state authorities can not ignore them
as per their wish.
Apart from all these also there are some limitations of authority. Every state organization has some
fixed and decreased objectives and authority cannot over rule these objectives and norms. Authority
has some technical as well as some psychological limitations.
 Unit 2: Power and Authority

Notes The relevance of the political theory is to provide capacity to authority and alongwith that limiting
it also so that the condition of public welfare prevails.

Self Assessment
Fill in the blanks:
4. Authority can be called state organizational …………..
5. The theory of Acceptance, related to the nature of authority is propounded by…………
6. According to a report by …………, “Authority is that power which is acceptable,
prestigious, known and legitimate.”

2.3 Legitimacy
Importance of Legitimacy: The concept of authority is very ancient, but in the present time and
context, it has gained a new meaning with the development of civilization culture and political
development, the role of subjugatory power is decreasing in the human life and behavior and the
unsubjugatory elements of power like influence, authority and leadership’s role is increasing
continuously. When both categories of power subjugatory and unsubjugatory are connected with the
legitimacy, then their power and influence increases but when these are not legitimate, or when there
legitimacy becomes doubtful then their limits to influence the human behavior increases power,
influence and authority can be successful in changing the behavior of others and become influential
only when they become legitimate. According to Dahl, politician clad their works with the legitimacy
and only then they get authority. In other words, influence can be established as authority only on the
basis of legitimacy. This fact is so important that Max Waber has taken the analysis of legitimate
government and authorities as his main subject.
Special Significance in Democracy: The influence of every political arrangements depends upon
the legitimacy but in democracy, legitimacy is most important. Democracy is a rule based on the
public agreement so it becomes very difficult to make the people obey on the basis of fear and
terror. So this democratic arrangement needs legitimacy the most. Force and subjugation should be
used in the minimal quantity and if these are used in large quantity, authority loses its legitimacy
which later on becomes a disasterous situation entire political arrangement. For a healthy
relationship between the person and authority, it is necessary that authority should obtain
legitimacy upto the maximum possible limit. So political arrangements are always in search of
legitimacy. S.M. Lipset has said, “The stability of any specific democracy, depends not only on
economic development but also on the legitimacy and capacity of the prevailing political
arrangements.

Legitimacy: Development of Concept

The word ‘Legitimacy’, has originated from the Latin word ‘Legitimatus’ and in the medieval
period this was called ‘Legitimates’. The concept or the idea of legitimacy has a long history. Plato
has sowed the seed of legitimacy under his idea of ‘Justice’. According to him every rule should have
an intelligent basis and its roots should be in the moral values, age old faiths and common
acceptance. Aristitle has depicted this concept in the form of law rule or constitutional rule. Sisro has
used the word ‘Legitimum’ for “powers or the judges organized by law”. Later on, it was used for
favour towards old traditions, conservative rituals, constitutional laws and elements of good
arrangements. In the medieval times, it has been mentioned while distinguishing between the cruel
or kidnapper ruler and good ruler. Taking logic from Aristotle, Marcelo of paedua has presented a
constitutional explanation instead of religious explanation. Lawk has supported this through the
medium of agreement and consent.
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In the present times, first time it was first time propagated by Max Weber as an omnipresent Notes
concept. According to him, legitimacy depends upon the faith and for the political arrangements,
attains the condition of obedience. Max Waber has thought in detail on the basis of legitimacy. He
has given three basis of legitimacy – traditional, intellect – legal and charismatic. Another thinker
Carl Schmitt has thought about the legitimacy of democracy. Gugleilmo Ferro has given two basis
of legitimacy; (1) Majority, (2) Minority opposition party. He does not consider unanimity as a
necessary element of legitimacy. Under democratic political arrangement, the important fact in the
context of legitimacy is that is a limited quality opposition is also considered as a symbol of
legitimacy.

Legitimacy : Explanation
Legitimacy is such a condition under which a person in political situation has a faith that the use of
authority is based on the commonly accepted rules and activities. Dolf Sternberger has considered
it as the foundation of power of rule according to which Government has a realization that it has the
right to rule and on the other hand this right is accepted by those who are ruled.
Some of the important definition of legitimacy are as follows:
According to S.M. Lipset, “Legitimacy implies to that capability and capacity of arrangement
through which the faith; that the present political institutions are most appropriate for society; is
originated and maintained”.
According to the famous thinker Jeam Blondell, “Legitimacy means that limitation upto which
people accept the organization with which they are related without query and in a natural form.
The legitimacy of the organization will increase with the increase in the area of acceptance or
agreement."
According to Kuhan Alfred, “Legitimacy means the acceptance of agreement between the economic
ruler and ruled. Since its very primitive form, it such an agreement under which people instead of
being alive and outside the imprisonment, they prefer to accept and abide by the orders of the
Government.”
From the above definitions of legitimacy, it is quite ulcer that legitimacy refers to that acceptance
or agreement which is given by the people regarding any political arrangement. If any political
arrangement or institution is not able to get such acceptance, they if lacks in the validity and such
arrangement cannot exist for a long time. Any institution can not obtain validity by the acceptance
of the people obtained by threat or using power. In other words. This acceptance should be based
on their faith that this political arrangement is better than others and this arrangement is as per the
mental values of the people and the needs of the people are completed in a valid manner through
this arrangement. If the people express their acceptance due to some threat or greed, then we can
not say that this arrangement has validity or legitimacy. In simple words, “the source of legitimacy
is not the public acceptance obtained by fear or bribe, but acceptance based on their beliefs and
values”.

Characteristics of Legitimacy
Legitimacy is not a physical object for which any definite determining elements or creative elements
can be stated. Instead this a concept. This is a state of the political life for which some specialities
can be given. The level and influence of legitimacy can not be the same in all countries. Instead
these characteristics depend upon the mental level of the people of the concerned countries their
political faith value and habits and their political awareness.
Some other characteristics of legitimacy are given as under:
1. The concept of legitimacy includes the capacity to include a particular faith: Legitimacy of any
political arrangement spends upon the fact that upto what limit these people consider this
arrangement
 Unit 2: Power and Authority

Notes valid on the basis of their faith. If some people have taken the ruling power through blood
revolution or by any other unconstitutional way for their own limited benefits, then this ruling
power can never be accepted. But it is possible that after sometime, people start accepting that the
new Government in favour of their goodwill. If such faith is created in the people, then this political
arrangement gets legitimacy. In this way the concept of legitimacy includes the ability of the
political arrangement to create and maintain the faith among the people that this political
arrangement and its institutions are the best for their benefits.
2. The concept of influence is related to the concept legitimacy: Prof. Lipset has said that the
legitimacy and stability of any political arrangement depends upon its power of influence. Any
arrangement can get legitimacy only when it has obtained influence upto a limit. To get the
legitimacy, it is necessary that this political arrangement is not just verbal but through this the life of
the citizen can be influentially controlled. According to Koutilya, “Safety of gentleman, increase of
goodwill and punishment to the culprit”, is the necessary work of the state and a political
arrangement becomes legitimate only when it is able to do this work in an influencial manner.
3. Legitimacy of any arrangement depends upon the values of the related people: Any
arrangement can get validity; i.e. the natural or voluntary agreement; only when it is based on the
faith and values of the common man. For example, if in any country democracy is deep scouted
then it becomes very difficult to get legitimacy for any government which has obtained authority
by un-democrative or unconstitutional ways.
4. Legitimacy is the ability to transfer the power into authority: There is a political saying
“Legitimate Power is Authority”. This means that power authority only when it becomes
legitimacy in the eyes of the general public. If any person or institution has power and its orders are
followed due to fear or threat, then this means that that person or institution has only power but no
authority. If power does not fulfill the testimony of tolerance of the people, then it cannot be called
authority. This implies that legitimacy is the only factor which transfers power into Authority.
5. Legitimacy depends on wide social acceptance: The legitimacy of an arrangement does not
depends upon the agreement of only a few special people but it depends upon the large social
acceptance. This acceptance should not due to any pressure or influence, but its foundation should
be tolerance, faith and ideas of the related people.
In this way legitimacy does not depends upon some special people or elite class but depends upon
the large social acceptance.
Basically the main concept of legitimacy depends up that ability through which people can be
convinced that this political condition is good. Mainly the concept of legitimacy depends upon the
large scale social acceptance and legitimacy is that factor which transforms power into authority.
The legitimacy of any arrangement depends upon the fact that its way of working and form is in
accordance with the values and faiths of the concerned people. In this context Prof. Lipset has
written, “Group’s consider a political arrangement on the basis of their accordance of their values
with the values of the political arrangement.

2.3.1 Influence

Significance of Influence
According to Robert Dahl, in political analysis, power and influence are the central concepts. Not
only in active politics but even in normal social life, influence is an important element. One of the
fact of the practical life is that alongwith the cultural development of human beings the
significance of influence is continuously increasing as compared to that of power. This could never
be an exaggeration to say that in today’s most popular ruling policy i.e. Democracy’s chariots is
driven by the horses of influence. Even in the international political, the role of influence is
increasing day by day. Every
 Unit 2: Power and Authority

person, community, group or institutions keep on increasing their influence. Everyone keep on Notes
putting efforts to increase their influence. Everyone wants to know how much he is influential in
comparison to the others who is the most influential, and how can and when can they increase their
influence etc.
For political leaders and candidate etc. influence is a question of life and death whenever any
political leader is not able to assess his arm and the opposition influence properly, it bring a
disastrous end to his political career. Infact, the measurement of influence is a problem and in
political science no proper method, theory and ideology has been developed till now so as to
evaluate influence.

Influence: Meaning and Explanations

Political thinkers are not ominous in relation to meaning of influence. The underlying inter-relation
between various people, groups, communities, institutions and states is termed as influence.
According to Robert A. Dahl, “The relation prevailing among the various doers is the
influence in which one doer inspires the others doers to do something which they never used to
do earlier. Brach Ash believes that anybody holds the influence on others in a specific area upto
the limit when that person, directly or indirectly, without any threat of aggressive form; is able to
insist, the other person to change his work or the way of working. Laswell has also explained
influence in the similar way. So on the basis of this discussion, influence is that capability through
which we can change others behavior without using force. This is a commonly acceptable belief
that in influence use of power and subjugation is not utilized.

Nature of Influence
According to Rowvey, one of the facts of political life is that influence is unevenly distributed
everywhere. Rowvey has specifically mentioned the unevenness of influence. The influence of the
large population can be less under behavior, whereas minority is more influential. This condition
can be seen in both developed or developing countries; though in developing countries, minority
are more influential. Many political thinkers like Aristotle; Roussau, Marx etc., has discussed the
uneven distribution of influence in their own way. Aristotle considered education as the most
important element in this context, but according to Marx, political influence follows Economic Power
i.e. property. In society, who possess the means of production, have more economic power and they
are the ones who ultimately obtain the political influence as well.
According to Rowvey, Sources of political influence are: Property, education, important
information, health, personal attraction and efficiency etc. The reasons for the unevenness of political
influences are:
1. Difference of political means: The political influence depends upon the political means. Some
people get important means, property and famous family etc. heredity but some people remain
devoid of it. After a particular age, person starts collecting the ordinary and political means. Some
people are very fast but some remain at an average speed in this process. Naturally, those who are
able to collect more political means, get more political influence. The uneven control over the
political means is the major factor for unevenness of political influence.
2. Specialization of Work: In every society, there is a specialization of work and some people have
more knowledge and efficiency in relation to special works and obtain special training for it. On
other hand some other works are less important. If other things are not the same then, a person
alongwith doing his own business, came in context with a large no. of people and do many
important works in the society. Obviously, such people get the political influence. In every country,
from the view point of political influence lawyers and journalist are found to be in a more
beneficiary place in comparison to the other people.
3. Difference of Aims and Inspirations: Aims and inspirations differ from person to person. Even
if the required means are given, many will use them to get political influence whereas others will
 Unit 2: Power and Authority

Notes limit themselves collect the property and wealth. In the political arrangement, some people try have
special influence on the policies implemented by the Government rules and regulations. In other
words, they try to get the political influence and they have more possibility to succeed in the field of
political influence. Apart from that, some people desire to have direct political influence but some
limit themselves to the indirect influence due to the problems pertaining to get direct influence.
4. Difference of Efficiency of Work: Various people, who try to get political influence on the basis
of their means; have different efficiency to use their political means. Even after obtaining the
required means, some people are able to use them in a more efficient and effective manner. In the
field of political influence, the efficiency of the assistance and their obtained means have an
important place. In this context, one fact is that only an efficient person is able to collect assistants
who are more capable and have more means.
Present and Actual Influence vis-a-viz Probable Influence: Infact in the faced of influence present
or Actual Influence is the name of the pertaining present condition whereas under probable
influence the probabilities of the future are studied. The present influence of the one who
influences can be different from his future influence. Even an ordinary person can become a leader
after getting does not have political influence at national or state level but on the basis whatever
means he has and the direction that he is giving to his means, there could be the probability of his
becoming more influencial. Similarly, in any industrial field, one particular worker’s union can be
more influencial, but there could be probabilities of some other worker’s union to be influencial in
the future. In the international politics. USA and Russia are present superpowers but China and
India are suppose to be the probable super powers. Present influencial and probable influencial
separated particularly at the time when present influential is not getting success continuously and
probable influencial also has sufficient means and will be challenging the present influencial. In
December 1982, N.T. Ramarao and his party ‘Telgu Desam’ is an example of probable influencial in
the politics of Andhra Pradesh. No doubt in politics, present or actual influence is important but
probable influence is also equally important. The political condition of future can be imagined only
in the context of probable influence.

Problem of Measuring the Influence

The sources of influence are mostly, hidden, complex and difficult. That is why measuring the
influence is often becomes a problem. But as democracy depends upon the open political competition
and influence, it become necessary to measure influence. Influence is a relation between the individuals,
groups or unions. The relation, its direction and existence of the influence established among them
can be measured. In democracy it is always necessary to know the condition of influence between the
distinguished political leaders and common citizens. Even, the father of political science, Aristotle also
when classified the political arrangements on the basis of numbers, then the implication of this basis of
classification was to know the influence of an individual in that political arrangement – who is more
influencial majority or minority. The comparative study of the influence is always important in
political analysis.
Robert Dahl has given a very common definition of the influence which tells about the probabilities
of comparison. If ‘A’ influencies ‘B’ and its quantity is ‘X’, then we can say that the influence of ‘A’
on ‘B’ is ‘X-1’. If the quantity of influence is ‘X-2’ then we will say that the quantity of influence has
increased. On this basis, all influences can be compared.
According to Dahl, the work of measuring the influence and comparing of it in this context can be
done on the following basis:
1. The quantity of change in the condition of influenced should be measured. Under this, it is
found that what was the condition of various influenced people in the beginning and what
kind of change and how much change came in it afterwards.
 Unit 2: Power and Authority

2. The quantity of influence can be measured from the view point of the psychological cost Notes
spent in its proportion. Whenever there is strike, the mental reaction of all workers is
different.
3. It can be found that what is the quantity of working probability in various people. The
estimation of votes in favour and against any legislation is done in the same manner.
4. Many times, the estimation can be done on the difference of expansion of process. For
example: The number of votes the candidates get in election, can be seen as a form of their
influence in their constituency.
5. The comparative study of influence can be done on the basis of the no. of people effective.
The forecast of the victory and defeat of the US President and parties in Britain and India
during election, is done on this basis.
Robert Dahl has given some instructions to use certain precautions in context of measuring the
influence:
(i) All informations should be collected to fix the direct influence as many measurements are
possible.
(ii) The comparative method should be used as per the obtained information.
(iii) For clarity and micro view, a puradigutor should be put in front.
(iv) We should be prepared to leave the present measurement after obtaining much evidencial
information.
Actually, there are lots of problems in the direction of influence theory. These are spread from self-
fixation to unit limitation, analysis, certification, comparision, implementation and evaluation. Due
to these problems political scientists have put very few efforts to develop theory of influence. Even
these can be considered as low level and limited efforts.

Influence and Authority

Usually, ‘Influence’ and ‘Authority’ are considered as synonym in common behavior. But in
political science both these words differ in their meaning. Influence is accepted in the form of such
an activity which is compulsorily relational and which contains many elements. Influence is such an
achievement in which the elements of stability and definity are always absent. The effort to
influence one person by the other can be direct or indirect. Influence is neither formal nor limited
influence emerges on the basis of company and related information. Under efforts to influence
others, debate, request, conversing and personal influences are used. Many times, this process takes
place in such a manner that the influenced does not even know that he is being influenced.
Influence is a relational activity in which there are many elements present between influenced and
influencial like same values, environment, style, the personality of the influenced or influencial,
needs and present characteristics. Political leaders keep on doing the efforts to expand the influence
in order to achieve their objects and for this. They use different styles and means. Political leader
know that influence is a very movable, changeable and indefinite condition so they always try to
convert their influence into Authority. Pointing to this condition, Dehl Writes “Authority is the
most effective form of Influence”.
According to Brekht, for authority the condition of relationship between the officers and
subordinate is necessary usually, subordinates make the order of the officer as the basis of their
conduct without any criticism, thinking, debate, logic or using their own intellect. Authority being
institutional becomes the part and parcel of behavior and conduct of the subordinates. This is
accepted, formal, object based and quickly influencial. Authority is usually established on the
various levels of designation condition, union etc. This is the reason that political leaders become
comfortable after taking their influence authoritative. Many times authority remains without
capability, capacity and influence. There are many examples where an ordinary, inefficient and
uninfluencial and even uncapable person after being on the post of authority gives orders and
direction to hundreds and thousands people and
 Unit 2: Power and Authority

Notes these are followed. That is why authority is commonly considered as a free factor, but this condition
doesn’t last for a long time. Authority remains till the time, it is followed by the subordinates and
if influence is not there with authority, then the subordinates do not accept for a long time. Under
democratic arrangement, the ruling people have to depart from Authority after getting defeat in the
election and in Dictatorship or Military rule, they can face the condition of revolution. Even under
normal circumstances, authority remains inactive without influence.
Infact, authority is one of the ways to influence the behavior of others. When other things like
power, influence and sanctions unite with the authoritarian, then there arise no question of ignoring
the orders of authority. But when all other things separate from the authority then it become
difficult or possible for the authoritarian to make subordinates follow his orders. In democracy,
from the view point of longer duration, influence is more powerful in comparison to authority.
Whether it is democracy or any other form of ruling arrangement, authoritarian should properly
understand the limitations of authority. Whenever the authoritarian is not able to understand these
limitations, then he has face the condition of revolt or destruction.

Self Assessment
State whether these statements are True or False:
7. Legitimacy is not a physical object for which any fixed elements or elements for creation
can be told.
8. The sources to measure influence are usually easy.
9. Influence and Authority are synonymous.

2.4 Summary
y Though power and influence are similar on some basis, yet there are many important differences
between the two.
y Influence creates power and power creates influence. Both are interdependent on each other.
y The first source of power is knowledge. In its normal meaning, knowledge gives the capability
to a person to rearrange and meet his goals.
y Even the power of swords is ultimately based on the faith. Another source of power is authority.
y The study of power does not completely clarify that how the Govt, controls the society or
how it establishes the arrangement.
y Behaviorist or the human relationalist, without having faith in the theory of Formal
Authority, propagate the ‘Theory of Acceptance’.

2.5 Keywords
1. Influence: Coming in existence, Origin, Capacity, Power.
2. Authority: Existence, Personality, Power, Ability

2.6 Review Questions

1. Explain the concept of Authority. How can you differentiate from influence?
2. Define influence and Authority and explain their relationship and differences.
 Unit 2: Power and Authority

Notes

2.7 Further Readings

Books 1. Political Theory : R.K. Pruty.

2. Political Theory—Ideas and Concepts : S. Ramaswamy.
Unit 2: Power and Authority