What best describes authority within a leadership context?

In a leadership context, authority is best described as the legitimate power to lead and direct. This definition emphasizes the formal recognition and acceptance of an individual's position and the power that comes with it. Authority implies that the leader has been granted the right to make decisions, issue directives, and guide others within an organization based on their designated role.

This perspective on authority is rooted in organizational structures where specific roles come with inherent responsibilities and the ability to direct the actions of others. While influence, control over resources, and decision-making autonomy are important aspects of leadership, they do not necessarily equate to having formal authority. Authority encompasses the legitimacy and recognition from both the organization and its members that a leader has the right to exercise power, which is essential for effective leadership and decision-making.