The 12 types of authority (in the family and in society)

Power, impositions and submission between people can come in many different forms.

Laws, social norms, obligations and rights, tradition, following the line of command in a company...In our daily lives we often follow the directions of other people or organizations, while others follow ours. It is a process by which an agent influences the behavior of others, modifying, inhibiting or provoking a certain behavior.

The reason why people follow these indications is that a relationship of power and influence is established between the different agents, exercising the authority of some over others to maintain a certain more or less stable social order. In this article we will look at 12 types of authority that occur both in the family and in society in general..

The concept of authority

Of a generic form and without entering of full in none of the different types of authority that we can find, we can define the concept of authority like the type of relation of power and influence that is established between two or more people by means of which one of the agents has the power to modify the ways of acting or thinking of other people or beings.The person who exercises it can make decisions that are obeyed to a greater or lesser extent and with a greater or lesser degree of acceptance by others.

Authority is the power one has over another person, regardless of whether it is deserved or deserved.regardless of whether it is deserved or not. It may come from respect for the capabilities or virtues of the person or institution, from the desire to receive some kind of reward or reinforcement from that person, or from the fear of punishment in case of refusal to obey.

Depending on where it comes from or in what sense or aspect it is applied, we can find different types of authority that we can see below.

Types of authority according to its origin

First of all we can organize the types of authority in two categories depending on whether it appears by social imposition or by conviction in the capabilities of the individual who holds it.

Formal authority

One of the basic types of authority. This is the type of authority that is exercised due to aspects that do not derive from respect for the capabilities of the other, but from his or her position and ability to administer rewards and punishments. Authority is considered to be is imposed and assigned by otherswithout the followers having in principle any influence over it (although the assignment of such authority may have been derived from prior respect).

Specifically, it is the type of authority that comes from an individual having been given some kind of positional superiority over others, allowing him or her to have decision-making power over them. It is the one that depends on the position or status quo. It can be subdivided into linear (based on a hierarchy) or functional (focused solely on a specific area or task).

2. Moral authority

Moral authority is understood as that which is granted on the basis of respect for the qualities manifested by the leader, either because of his experience or because of hisIt is not based on charisma, experience or moral characteristics. It is not based on charisma, but on respect for what the person represents. Like charismatic authority (which we will see later), it arises from recognition and not from imposition. It can be subdivided into technical (based on knowledge and experience) and personal (based on morality).

According to Max Weber

The subject of authority has been studied in sociology by different authors. One of them was Max Weberwho proposed three other types of authority.

3. Traditional authority

This is the type of authority that confers power through tradition and custom. through tradition and customThe subordinate has been taught to be one. The orders of the superiors are justified by the subordinates themselves. Power is inheritable, irrational and can be delegated.

4. Charismatic authority

This is one of the types of authority that is possessed with the agreement of the subordinates. It is based on the charismatic capacity of the person in charge, is born out of respect and admiration for the characteristics of the leader.. They are accepted as justified due to such respect for the faculties or way of being of the subject in question.

5. Rational authority

Also known as bureaucratic or legal authorityPeople obey this type of authority because their decisions are perceived as being in accordance with social norms, and are accepted as legitimate.

Power relations exercised in the family

Authority is exercised in numerous spheres, both socially, at work and in the family. In the latter, four types of authority have been highlighted. Although they are focused on the family, they are elements that can be extrapolated to other situations and are are extrapolated to other situations and institutions.

6. Authoritarian or coercive authority

This is an inflexible type of authority, which tends to be prolonged through domination and to the through domination and the exercise of force.. Followers accept it due to fear of punishment or withdrawal of rewards.

7. Democratic authority

This is one of the most valued types of authority. In this type of authority, there are clear and defined limits to conduct, although it is valued and accepted by the followers due to fear of punishment or withdrawal of rewards. the opinion of each member is valued and taken into account. and takes into account the opinion of each member.. This makes the generation and implementation of innovative ideas more frequent. Although behaviors can be sanctioned, these sanctions are generally understood within a framework previously established among all. It is mainly found in the family world or in cooperative enterprises.

8. Inconsistent authority

This is a type of authority that is exercised inconsistently, with rules and orders varying and not having the same results depending on the moment or the circumstances. The limits are not clear. It involves a high degree of confusion in those who follow it, and in the long run it can provoke reactance and disobedience.

9. Permissive or laissez-faire authority

Although it is considered a type of authority, the main problem with this type of power relationship is that there is no limitation or regulation per se, or it is weak. The subordinate can do whatever he/she pleases.There is no exercise of authority as such.

Other types

Apart from the previous classifications, we can find other types of authority, some of which are considered subtypes of previous classifications.

10. Operative authority

This type of authority is unipersonal, although it is generally granted by others.. On this occasion the power is not exercised over the persons themselves, but the authority is held with respect to a specific subject or action. It is that which gives the right to act in a certain way or to make decisions regarding certain aspects.

11. Administrative authority

This is one of the basic types of authority, in which the people who obey do so because they belong to a group. The people who obey do so because they belong to a specific group, which in principle is committed to accept such orders. group that in principle is committed to accepting such orders. Although it is similar to rational authority, in this case it does not go so far as to question whether what the authority stipulates follows basic legal precepts.

12. Informal authority

This is a type of authority that does not arise from social position, but from a predisposition to organize oneself and to accept the orders of others. and to accept orders from others. Authority can pass from one subject to another with ease, there being no formal recognition of it. It is born of mutual acceptance, resembling to a great extent charismatic, personal and moral authority.