Don't confuse authority, power, and politics

摘要

If you work in an organization, you need a clear understanding of three closely related concepts—authority, power, and politics. Unfortunately, for many employees these concepts often confuse, frustrate, or elicit anxiety or indifference. The traditional concept of organization is built upon the principle that someone has the "right" to command someone else, whose duty is to obey the command. This "right" is bestowed by the formal organization, and we call it authority.