Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

MISSIO ALLIANCE: What is the difference between hierarchy, authority, and power?

DR. MARYKATE MORSE: Hierarchy, authority, and power are all non-value words. There is neither ‘good’ nor ‘bad’ inherent in their meanings. The moral implications come from how persons exercise their role, authority or power. For instance, a ‘parent’ or a ‘boss’ is a morally neutral word, but you can have good parents and bad parents, good bosses or bad bosses.

Hierarchy basically means a ranking of those in authority. It is a role. A position of hierarchy usually means someone is given the authority to make decisions and to see them through. Someone is given authority to lead or guide a group. It is a right that comes with the role.

Power, using Rollo May’s definition in Power & Innocence (as I mention in the piece), is simply the ability to cause or prevent change. It is the result because the group will determine its investment in following the one given authority. Thus, things will change only if a group decides to follow. How much power one has is dependent on how much a group gives it to you. In a church, people can leave, obstruct or sabotage if they don’t give you power even if you have authority.

All three go hand in hand. Hierarchy is what you see as a position. Authority is what you can do in that position. Power is when people give you permission to exercise authority because of that position, unless they do not have freewill. In dictatorships or unhealthy situations, power is still used to cause or prevent change, but it is enforced. In a job, you might not like what the boss has you do, but you’re getting paid so you do it, perhaps reluctantly and not with your best effort.

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