Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

What does power refer to in a managerial context?

1. The ability to influence others effectively

2. The authority to enforce rules

3. The capacity to get something done

4. The right to delegate tasks

The correct answer is: The capacity to get something done

In a managerial context, power fundamentally refers to the capacity to get something done. This definition encompasses a broad understanding of how managers can mobilize resources, direct activities, and influence outcomes within an organization. Power allows a manager to take actions necessary for achieving objectives, such as executing plans, allocating resources, or guiding team efforts toward specific goals. It emphasizes the practical aspects of influence—what can actually be accomplished rather than solely the authority or rights associated with a position. While the concepts of influence, authority, and delegation are closely related, they represent different aspects of leadership and management. Influence is about the effectiveness of persuasion, authority pertains to an official or formal right to give orders, and delegation involves passing on responsibility. However, at its core, power in management is rooted in the ability to enact change and ensure that tasks and objectives are completed. This makes the assertion that power relates to capacity particularly significant in understanding managerial effectiveness.