Final answer:
No, formal authority and personal power are not synonymous. Formal authority is derived from an individual's position within an organization, while personal power is based on an individual's personal qualities and influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
No, the concepts of formal authority and personal power are not synonymous and are two different names for the same type of influence in an organization.
Formal authority refers to power that is granted to individuals based on their position or role within the organization, such as a manager or a CEO. It is derived from the organizational hierarchy and is typically backed by rules, regulations, and formal written agreements.
On the other hand, personal power is an individual's ability to influence others based on their personal qualities, expertise, and relationships. Personal power can be gained through expertise, charisma, or personal connections. It is not necessarily tied to formal positions or roles within the organization.
For example, a manager may have formal authority over their subordinates based on their position in the company, but they may not have personal power if they are not respected or trusted by their team. On the other hand, an employee who is not in a formal position of authority may have personal power if they are highly knowledgeable and influential within the organization.