Which of the following is not true about Authority?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → It cannot be delegated
Authority is the right of a person to command his subordinates and take action within the limits of his position.
Option (1) It arises from formal position — True about authority (Incorrect). Authority comes from a person’s position in the formal organisation.
Option (2) It cannot be delegated — Not true about authority (Correct). Authority can be delegated. Delegation means entrusting responsibility and authority to another, so authority is what a superior passes on. (It is accountability that cannot be delegated.)
Option (3) It determines the Superior and Subordinate relationship — True about authority (Incorrect). Authority determines the superior subordinate relationship: the superior gives the decision and the subordinate carries it out.
Option (4) It flows from top to bottom — True about authority (Incorrect). Authority is highest at the top level and becomes less as we go down, so it flows from top to bottom.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Elements of Delegation According to Louis Allen, delegation is the entrustment of responsibility and authority to another and the creation of accountability for performance.” “(i) Authority: Authority refers to the right of an individual to command his subordinates and to take action within the scope of his position. …” “In the formal organisation authority originates by virtue of an individual’s position and the extent of authority is highest at the top management levels and reduces successively as we go down the corporate ladder. Thus, authority flows from top to bottom, i.e., the superior has authority over the subordinate.” “Authority determines the superior subordinate relationship wherein the superior communicates his decision to the subordinate, expecting compliance from him and the subordinate executes the decision as per the guidelines of the superior. …” |