Key Difference: The main difference between authority and responsibility is that an individual with authority has the right to give orders, while an individual with responsibility is expected to carry out those orders.
Authority usually comes with a title or position of power, while responsibility can be given to anyone who is assigned a task.
What is Authority?
Authority refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce rules.
In a company, authority is usually given to those in positions of responsibility, such as managers and supervisors.
Authority is necessary for a company to function effectively, as it allows those in charge to make decisions and take actions that are in the best interests of the company.
It can be treated as a legal responsibility, as those with authority are expected to make decisions in accordance with the law.
What is responsibility?
Responsibility in legal terms is the obligation to answer for one’s actions.
A person with responsibility is typically held liable for any damages or injuries that result from their actions.
Responsibility also implies a duty to act in a certain way, such as taking reasonable care to avoid harming others.
It is also often associated with the concept of accountability, which is the expectation that individuals will be able to explain their decisions and actions.
Authority vs Responsibility
One of the major differences between authority and responsibility is that individuals in positions of authority usually have the ability to make decisions on their own, while those with responsibility often need to consult with others before taking action.
Additionally, those with authority tend to be able to give orders, while those with responsibility are typically responsible for carrying out tasks.
Key Differences
Important differences between authority and responsibility are –
Nature
Authority is an attribute while responsibility is an obligation.
An individual may have the authority to take certain actions, but they may not be responsible for all the consequences of those actions.
For example, a manager may have the authority to hire and fire employees, but they are not necessarily responsible for the welfare of those employees.
On the other hand, a person may be responsible for an action even if they do not have the authority to take that action.
For example, a parent is responsible for their child’s welfare even if they do not have the authority to make decisions about their child’s education or health care.
Scope
Authority is typically narrower in scope than responsibility.
An individual with authority is typically authorized to take certain actions, while those with responsibility are expected to act in a broader range of ways.
For example, a manager may be authorized to make decisions about hiring and firing employees, but they are not responsible for the financial wellbeing of the company.
On the other hand, a CEO is responsible for the financial wellbeing of the company, even if they are not authorized to make decisions about hiring and firing employees.
Liability
Authority typically carries with it a higher level of liability than responsibility.
An individual with authority is typically held liable for any damages or injuries that result from their actions.
For example, a manager who makes a bad decision that leads to the company losing money can be held liable for those losses.
On the other hand, a person with responsibility is typically only liable if they fail to meet their obligations.
For example, a parent who does not provide for their child’s basic needs can be held liable for neglect.
Power Flow
Authority typically flows from the top down, while responsibility flows from the bottom up.
An individual with authority is typically given power by those in higher positions.
For example, a manager may be given the authority to make decisions by their boss.
The responsibility for those decisions typically falls on the individual who has authority.
Command
Authority is often associated with the ability to give orders.
An individual with authority can issue commands to those under their control.
For example, a manager may tell their employees what to do and how to do it.
Responsibility, on the other hand, does not typically involve giving orders.
Rather, it involves taking care of others and meeting their needs.