Which application of leadership is the legitimate power of a leader to direct subordinates to take action within the scope of the leader's position?

• A. Authority
• B. Influence
• C. Power
• D. Subordination

Answer: (A)

Formal authority is the legitimate power a leader has to command subordinates to take action within the bounds of their role. This comes from occupying a formal position in the organization and is recognized by rules, policies, and the chain of command, giving official weight to orders and expectations to act within the scope of that role. Influence, by contrast, relies on personal credibility or relationships to persuade, and can operate even without formal rank. Power is a broader term that covers various sources of influence, not exclusively the official right to direct others. Subordination describes the state of those who are under a leader’s authority, not the mechanism by which actions are directed.