Perceived authority is defined as which statement?

• A. Authority also comes from the opinion, respect and esteem of others; emanates from the perception of subordinates; bolstered by: ability to direct others fairly without becoming overbearing; technical skills and experience; respect of peers and higher level managers.
• B. It is the formal power to issue legally binding orders.
• C. It is the delegated power granted in contracts.
• D. It is the authority derived from tenure alone.

Answer: (B)

Perceived authority rests on how others view the right to command, and that view is strongest when it comes from an officially sanctioned position. When someone has the formal power to issue orders that are legally binding, people recognize and respond to that authority because it is backed by the organization’s rules and structure, not just personal influence. This formal basis makes the authority visible, predictable, and enforceable, which is why it best defines perceived authority. The other ideas describe influence from respect, expertise, or delegated contracts or tenure alone, which may contribute to influence but don’t establish the clear, rule-backed right to command that defines perceived authority.