Final answer:
The policy permitting retail clerks to handle returns of $1,000 or less with a recent receipt is an example of general authorization. This type of policy allows employees to conduct specific actions without additional, individual approvals for each transaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The store policy that allows retail clerks to process sales returns for $1,000 or less, with a receipt dated within the past 30 days, is an example of general authorization.
A general authorization is a policy that grants permissions to a broad group of employees to perform certain actions without needing to seek individual approval for each transaction. In this case, the store policy does not require retail clerks to obtain special permission each time they process a return that meets the specified criteria, which are clearly defined by the dollar amount and receipt date. Therefore, the policy falls under the category of general authorization as it gives retail clerks the autonomy to complete these transactions within the established parameters.
By contrast, a specific authorization would require certain transactions or decisions to be approved by a designated person or persons and is usually applied to more sensitive or higher-value transactions. Special authorization may be needed for exceptional cases that do not fit within the usual policies or guidelines. Generic authorization is not a widely recognized term in this context.