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Concepts / Real authority

Real authority

Real authority is effective control over decisions. The distribution of information may allow an actor to shape the outcome decisively without holding the formal decision right.

Updated: 19 September 2026

Literature concept

Hypothetical example

The manager approves, but sees only the alternative selected by the system. This AI application is the lab’s interpretation.

Illustrative example

Important distinction

A visible approval step may coexist with limited practical influence over the outcome.

Question for managers

Who determines which options reach the decision?