5 Types Of Authority And Their Characteristics

There are several types of authority although in everyday life we ​​do not notice it so clearly. Although they all have in common the fact that they generate norms or patterns of behavior, what is different is the source from which that power emanates to define lines to be followed. In the same way, the reasons why it is obeyed in each case are different.

In general terms, authority can be defined as the power that a person or an institution exercises over others. This power has, in turn, different scopes. This depends precisely on the types of authority: the impact of a mother’s order is not the same as that of a legal norm.

The consequences of disobeying different types of authority also vary. This, of course, is closely related to the degree of power of each of them. Much of our life is defined by the way we relate to authority. Hence, it is important to know the different ways of manifestation of these powers and the effect that each of them has on us.

1. Formal authority

The formal is one of the most common types of authority. It corresponds to those people or institutions that exercise power and influence , depending on the position they occupy or the activity they perform. Its effectiveness is derived basically from its ability to impose rewards and punishments.

This is the most basic form of authority. It is imposed and not chosen or necessarily freely recognized. Precisely for this reason, it is also one of the types of authority that contains the most potential for conflict. As long as it is imposed, it could engender a lack of real recognition.

2. Moral, one of the types of authority

This type of authority is practically the opposite of the previous one. In this case, the power of the person or entity is recognized, even if socially or collectively they do not hold a position or position that grants them influence as such.

In this type of authority what matters is the approval or subjective sanction and not exactly the reward or punishment. Power is given to that authority based on the respect it generates. The source of your influence is your values, your experience, your knowledge, etc.

3. Charismatic

It is similar to moral authority, but in this case the source of influence comes directly from the personality or personal charm of the leader. This is not necessarily a paragon of virtues, but has a great power of attraction on others. That is why they follow him and obey him.

Obviously, this type of authority must be accompanied by personal skills in the leader. However, these virtues are not necessarily ethical or moral. Sometimes it is just a special social skill or a certain skill in certain activities.

4. Coercive

This is one of the most harmful types of authority, since it does not come from position or personal conditions, but from the use of force in some sense. The source of power is fear and, in general, corresponds to an arbitrary exercise of rules and precepts.

It is the type of authority that is exercised through criminal actions. It is usually a form of counterpower. In other words, norms are imposed that go against established laws or habitually accepted customs. It is a perverse exercise of authority.

5. Democratic

It is one of the healthiest and most valued types of authority. Part of a formal authority, but implemented in such a way that it becomes moral authority as well. In this way of exercising power, the fundamental thing is the rules and not the people who enforce them. In turn, these rules are the result of the collective agreement.

In this case, authority is shared collectively. For obvious reasons, not everyone has the same degree of influence, but they do have it to some degree. It is a form of authority in which the interests of the majority prevail, without ignoring the interests of the minority. Although it is never perfect, it is the healthiest form of authority.

All of us are subject, in one way or another, to some authority. That submission generates some level of frustration. However, these hierarchies are essential for us to live in society, peacefully and constructively.