Power Vs Authority
Authority is the legitimate power to act in certain ways. It refers to the right to do something. Authority emanates from the top and can be delegated to subordinates. Authority often derives from the position held in an organization.
Power is quite different from authority. It refers to the ability (not the right) to complement actions. These actions can be taken regardless of considerations of formal authority or responsibility. Charismatic individuals, for example, may have no formal authority conferred on them but nevertheless can exercise power over others and lead them into actions that may be against the organizations interest. Managers in situations where such behaviour occurs will have the authority to put a stop to obstructive actions but may not necessarily have the power to do so