Authority:
* Definition: The legitimate right to exercise power. It's about *rightfulness*, not just the ability to influence.
* Source: Derived from formal positions (e.g., a police officer), laws, traditions, or expertise.
* Compliance: Based on acceptance and consent; people obey because they believe the authority is justified.
* Example: A judge presiding over a courtroom has the authority to make legal decisions.
Power:
* Definition: The ability to influence or control the behavior of others, regardless of legitimacy. It's about *capacity*, not necessarily rightness.
* Source: Can stem from various sources: force, wealth, knowledge, charisma, social status, etc.
* Compliance: Can be achieved through coercion, persuasion, reward, or manipulation.
* Example: A wealthy individual might have significant power to influence political decisions through donations, even without holding any official office.
Key Difference: Authority is *legitimate* power, while power itself doesn't necessarily imply legitimacy. Someone can possess power without authority (e.g., a dictator), and someone with authority might lack the power to enforce it effectively. They often overlap, but are distinct concepts.