Final answer:
The authority for approving award exceptions varies by institution; it could be the executive management or board in a company, or the faculty senate in a university, depending on their governance structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sole authority for approving any award exceptions typically depends on the context in which the award is given. For organizational awards, the authority usually rests with the executive management, board of directors, or an awards committee designated by the institution. In academic settings, such approval might come from the faculty senate or the office of academic affairs. It is essential to understand the governance structure of the specific institution or organization to determine the exact authority.
For instance, within a company, the CEO or a high-ranking executive would have the authority to approve exceptions to awards. In a university, it might be the Dean of a particular college or the Provost. These roles are tasked with overseeing adherence to policy, but they also possess the discretion to grant exceptions based on extraordinary circumstances or merits.