Power

1. Concepts of Power and
Authority and Sources of Power
in Communities
Presented by: Aneena Sibi
Second Semester
MSW
SOW2 C08: Community Organisation and Social Action

2. Power
• Power is the ability to influence other people.
• It may refer to an action or belief, thought process or behaviour pattern.
• It is the capacity to influence the behaviour, actions, beliefs or conduct of others
in society.
• Power compels others to behave in a desired manner. In other words, those who
hold power will generally control the happenings in the community. They are the
ones who determine the course of action.
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3. • For example,
A local gang leader extorts money from the shop owners in
the neighbourhood. The gang leader is using his coercive
power to influence the shop owners’ behaviour against their
will.
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4. • The term power means different things to different social scientists. For some it is
‘power’ and for others it is ‘influence’. But all of them agree that it is different
from the term ‘authority’.
• Max Weber defined power as :
“the probability that one actor within a social relationship will be in a position to
carry out his own will despite resistance.”
• Robert Dahl defined power as one actor’s ability to make another do something
that the latter ‘would not otherwise do’.
Example: “ A has power over B to the extent that he can get B to do something
that he could not otherwise do.”
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5. • According to social workers, power is the ability to influence the beliefs and
behaviour of others. It can be through community organization.
• That is influencing community members to act as suggested by the leaders to
achieve the community goals.
 Sources of Power
Power flows from many sources. Money, expertise, prestige, group support,
ideas, courage etc. are some sources of power.
Power may be achieved by many ways.
For example, through competence, ability, or by personality etc. power can be
achieved.
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6. Sources of Power in Communities
• Resources and property
• Personality
• Number of people – the more the number of people, more strength, more power
• Knowledge – knowledge is power.
• Skill - tactful person can gain more power than others.
• Media
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7. Authority
• Authority is a legal power or right of an individual or group of
individuals in a position that enables them to accomplish specific
goals and targets effectively.
• According to Weber, legitimate power is authority.
• Power becomes legitimate when the people on whom it is used
accept it as just and rightful.
• Hence authority involves minimum voluntary submission on the part
of the people on whom it is used.
• It means that they voluntarily submit or surrender their will.
• Hence, a judge, a policeman, a Prime Minister even a king or the
parents enjoys authority rather than power.
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8. • Based on the manner in which authority is derived Weber classified authority into three types.
1. Traditional Authority
It is that type of authority that stems out from traditional social action- authority based on
beliefs, customs and values. A leader comes to power because his family or clan has always
provided the group’s leadership.
2. Charismatic Authority
This is the result of personal qualities of the person who exercises it . To Weber, charisma was a
revolutionary force. This type of authority becomes more pronounced in times of crisis and turmoil
when other types of authority seem to be failing and new forms of authority are needed. According
to Weber, a charismatic system is inherently fragile. It survives only as long as the charismatic leader
lives or the crisis lasts.
3. Rational Legal Authority
Legal-rational authority is when people follow someone's orders because there are rules and
laws that say they have to. This type of authority happens in modern societies, like when we obey
our teachers at school or the laws set by the government. It is all about following the rules and
doing things fairly.
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9. Differences between Power and Authority
Power
Power means the ability or potential of an individual to
influence others and control their actions.
It is a personal trait.
Knowledge, expertise, physical strength etc.
Power does not follow any hierarchy.
Resides with person
Illegitimate
Authority
The legal and formal right to give orders and commands,
and take decisions is known as an Authority.
It is a formal right, given to the high officials.
Position & office
Authority follows the hierarchy.
Resides with position.
legitimate
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10. THANK YOU
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