Final answer:
Operational authority is the power given to operations personnel for managing daily functions within an organization, setting it apart from other forms of higher-level authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The authority granted to operations personnel to perform day-to-day operations is known as c. Operational authority. This type of authority allows individuals to make decisions and manage tasks that pertain to the daily functioning of an organization. It is distinct from executive, managerial, and administrative authority, which are more concerned with higher-level decision-making and policy setting. Operational authority is essential for the smooth execution of routine activities within the hierarchy of authority.