Final answer:
Rational-legal authority applies to specific positions within an organization, based on established laws, rules, and regulations rather than on the individuals holding these positions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of authority that applies to specific positions within an organization is known as rational-legal authority. This concept, outlined by sociologist Max Weber, refers to power legitimized by laws, written rules, and regulations, and not necessarily in the person executing these rules. In this system, authority is derived from the established institutions and procedures, such as a constitution in a nation-state or an employee handbook within a company. For example, in a corporate hierarchy of authority, employees follow the directive of their immediate supervisor who, in turn, is accountable to their superior, continuing up the chain of command to the CEO, who must answer to the board and shareholders.