Authority vs Responsibility
Authority and responsibility are two distinct concepts that are often confused due to their similar meanings. Authority refers to the power one possesses, whereas responsibility refers to the obligations we must fulfill. Authority can be defined as an individual’s ability to give orders and enforce obedience, whereas responsibility is defined as something required to be done as part of a job or legal obligation.
Key Takeaways
- Authority is about the power an individual has, while responsibility is about the duties and obligations an individual must fulfill.
- Authority is something that an individual possesses, while responsibility is something that an individual has towards another person or entity.
- People with authority also have a responsibility towards those who are under their scope of authority.
What is Authority?
Authority is the ability of an individual to give orders and enforce obedience. It is considered a legitimate form of power, and people in different positions have varying levels of authority. The scope of authority may differ from one person to another, depending on their position. Higher-ranked officials have greater authority and power than lower-ranked officials. The term “authority” can also be used to describe someone who is an expert in a particular field, such as astrology.
What is Responsibility?
Responsibility refers to something required to be done as part of a job or legal obligation. As humans, we have various responsibilities within different contexts, such as personal and professional life. In our personal lives, we have responsibilities towards the people we love, such as parents having responsibilities towards their children and vice versa. In our professional lives, we have responsibilities towards our employers, organizations, and clients.
Difference between Authority and Responsibility
The main difference between authority and responsibility lies in their meanings and usage. Authority is used in the sense of power, while responsibility is used in the sense of duty. Authority is something that an individual possesses, whereas responsibility is something that an individual has towards another person or entity. People with authority also have a responsibility towards those who are under their scope of authority.
