The Theory of Authority and Communication

Abstract

The theory of authority and communication is mainly related to a willingness to cooperate and communication, which are the conditions of establishing a formal organization. This chapter first argues the source of authority that lies in the consent of individuals; it then defines authority as the character of a communication that is accepted by contributors to the formal organization. Authority has subjective and objective aspects. The subjective aspect is individuals’ decision to accept communication; the objective aspect is the official character of a communication that is related to a common purpose of the formal organization. This chapter subsequently explains the conditions of accepting authority and securing enduring cooperation. Finally, it illustrates the objective aspect of authority and how to establish the official character of a communication; in particular, it proposes several principles of communication systems in a complex formal organization.KeywordsAuthorityCommunicationAcceptanceZone of indifferenceFiction of superior authorityAuthority of position and leadershipSystem of coordination