Final answer:
A manager in a corporate hierarchy wields authority that comes from their position and is reinforced by the acceptance of their leadership by subordinates. This structured chain of command exists in many organizations and is respected due to tradition, legitimacy, and societal factors influencing the perception of authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the video case described, a manager is having an early morning meeting with his employees. This manager would have authority by the authority that comes with the virtue of his position in the organization's hierarchy. A hierarchy of authority is a system that establishes a clear chain of command within an organization, ensuring that every level of the bureaucracy is accountable to the one above and has control over the one below. In the context of a corporate structure such as Walmart, for instance, a shift manager would report to a store manager, who in turn would report to a higher level such as a regional manager, ascending all the way up to the CEO. The CEO would then be answerable to the board members, and they, to the stockholders. Authority is not only structural but also comes from the consent and acceptance of those being led, who agree to follow due to the perceived legitimacy, respect, and effectiveness of those in leadership roles.
Moreover, in traditional models of authority, respect for authority can be influenced by societal factors such as race, class, and gender, as well as by the legacy of past leaders, which may include hereditary succession or charismatic qualities. The manager, by virtue of their role, has a significant influence on their employees, including their career development and job satisfaction. Understanding this dynamic and recognizing when to cultivate and when to sever professional relationships is crucial for employees.