Supervision in the Hospitality Industry- AHLEI Practice Test

Which of the following best describes the power that an organization gives to a supervisor to meet organizational goals?

1. Responsibility

2. Delegation

3. Formal authority

4. Informal authority

The correct answer is: Formal authority

The concept of power that an organization grants to a supervisor to achieve organizational goals is best captured by the notion of formal authority. This type of authority arises from the official position a supervisor holds within the organizational hierarchy, allowing them to make decisions, direct the activities of their team, and allocate resources in alignment with the organization’s objectives. Formal authority is typically outlined in the organization's structure and is linked to specific roles and responsibilities that come with the position. This enables supervisors to act on behalf of the organization and influences their ability to enforce policies and procedures, thereby helping to drive the team towards achieving broader goals. In contrast, responsibility refers to the duties and tasks a supervisor is expected to fulfill, but it doesn’t inherently grant them power to act. Delegation involves the process of assigning tasks to others but also doesn't inherently communicate the authority given to a supervisor by the organization. Informal authority, while it may give influence in certain situations, is not officially recognized in the same way that formal authority is and stems more from personal relationships and charisma rather than from the organizational structure. Thus, formal authority is the most comprehensive descriptor of the power conferred upon a supervisor to meet the goals of the organization.