What is sociological concept of authority

Power that is legitimized and institutionalized in a society or other social system.This form of power is attached to a social status and is accepted as proper and legitimate by all members of the social system.Subordinates comply with the directives of those in authority because they accept their control as justified and proper.As a rule,authority inheres in the status itself and does not depend on the personal qualities of the occupant of the status.Systems of authority are particularly characteristic of formal organizations but position of authority are also found in small groups.