Power is the ability to influence others, which can arise from different bases including legitimate authority, expertise, rewards, or coercion. Authority derives from one's position or role and provides the right to make decisions. While authority is well-defined and based on legitimate power, power has less clear definition and can be used for productive or destructive purposes. The line and staff concept designates line functions that directly impact objectives and staff functions that support line workers through expertise, research, and advice, providing benefits like relief and specialization but also potential conflicts if staff oversteps bounds.