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Sources and Kinds of Power & Its Relation to Authority

Power is the ability to influence others and comes from various sources such as force, wealth, knowledge, and tradition. It can be classified into types like political, economic, and coercive power, while authority is a legitimate form of power accepted by society. Understanding the distinction between power and authority is crucial for analyzing leadership and governance.

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2 views4 pages

Sources and Kinds of Power & Its Relation to Authority

Power is the ability to influence others and comes from various sources such as force, wealth, knowledge, and tradition. It can be classified into types like political, economic, and coercive power, while authority is a legitimate form of power accepted by society. Understanding the distinction between power and authority is crucial for analyzing leadership and governance.

Uploaded by

praveen7034pm
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Sources and Kinds of Power & Its Relation to Authority

Power is an important concept in political science. It refers to the ability of a person or group
to influence others and make them do something, even if they don’t want to. Power exists in
governments, organizations, and everyday life. However, not all power is the same—it
comes from different sources and exists in different forms.

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Sources of Power

Power can come from various sources, depending on the situation and the person or
institution holding it. Some major sources of power are:

1. Force or Coercion

Power can come from physical strength, military force, or threats.

Example: A dictator uses the military to stay in power.

2. Wealth or Economic Power

Money and resources give people power over others.

Example: Large corporations influence government policies by funding political campaigns.

3. Knowledge and Expertise

People with special knowledge or skills have power because others rely on them.

Example: Scientists influence climate policies because they understand environmental


issues.

4. Laws and Rules

Governments and institutions get power from legal systems.

Example: A judge has power because the law gives them the right to make decisions.
5. Social Influence and Charisma

Some leaders gain power because of their personal qualities and ability to inspire people.

Example: Mahatma Gandhi led India’s independence movement through his ideas and
personality.

6. Tradition and Culture

Some power comes from customs and long-standing beliefs.

Example: A king in a monarchy has power because of historical traditions.

7. Media and Information Control

Controlling information gives power over what people think and believe.

Example: Governments or corporations influence public opinion through social media.

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Kinds of Power

Power can be classified into different types based on how it is used and accepted by people:

1. Political Power – The power held by governments, leaders, and political parties to make
and enforce laws.

2. Economic Power – The influence of money and financial resources over individuals and
societies.

3. Coercive Power – Power that comes from threats, force, or punishment.

4. Legitimate Power – Power that is recognized as rightful, usually granted by law or


tradition.
5. Referent Power – Power based on admiration and respect for a person, such as
celebrities or leaders.

6. Expert Power – Power based on knowledge and skills in a specific area.

7. Soft Power – Power that influences through culture, diplomacy, and ideas rather than
force.

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How is Power Related to Authority?

Power and authority are closely linked, but they are not the same.

Power is the ability to influence or control others, whether by force, persuasion, or wealth. It
does not always need approval from people.

Authority is a form of power that is accepted as legitimate by society. People follow authority
because they believe it is rightful and justified.

Types of Authority (by Max Weber)

1. Traditional Authority – Based on customs and traditions (e.g., kings, tribal chiefs).

2. Legal-Rational Authority – Based on laws and rules (e.g., elected officials, judges).

3. Charismatic Authority – Based on personal qualities and leadership (e.g., revolutionaries


like Nelson Mandela).

A person or institution with authority has power, but not all power is authority. For example, a
criminal gang has power through fear, but it does not have legitimate authority. On the other
hand, a government has both power and authority because people accept its rule.

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Conclusion
Power comes from many sources, such as force, wealth, knowledge, and tradition. It exists
in different forms, from political and economic power to soft power and coercion. However,
power is different from authority—while power is simply the ability to control, authority is
power that is accepted as legitimate by society. Understanding power and authority helps us
see how leadership, governance, and influence work in the world.

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