Authorized vs. Empowered

Attribute	Authorized	Empowered
Definition	Given official permission or approval to do something	Given the authority or power to do something
Responsibility	May have specific responsibilities outlined in authorization	Has the responsibility to make decisions and take action
Scope	May be limited to certain tasks or actions	Generally has broader scope and autonomy
Decision-making	May need approval for certain decisions	Has the authority to make decisions independently

Definition

Authorized and empowered are two terms often used in the context of leadership and decision-making within organizations. Being authorized means having the official permission or approval to do something, usually granted by a higher authority. On the other hand, being empowered means having the authority or power to do something independently, without needing constant approval or supervision.

Responsibility

When someone is authorized to do something, they are typically given a specific task or set of tasks that they are responsible for completing. This responsibility is usually outlined in a job description or official document. In contrast, when someone is empowered, they are given the freedom to make decisions and take action as they see fit, without being micromanaged or closely supervised.

Decision-making

Authorized individuals often have the authority to make decisions within a certain scope or area of expertise. However, major decisions or those outside of their designated authority may require approval from a higher authority. On the other hand, empowered individuals have the autonomy to make decisions without needing approval, as they are trusted to use their judgment and expertise to do what is best for the organization.

Accountability

Those who are authorized to do something are typically held accountable for the outcomes of their actions within the scope of their authority. If something goes wrong, they may be required to explain their decisions and actions to their superiors. Empowered individuals also have accountability for their decisions and actions, but they are often given more leeway to take risks and try new approaches without fear of severe repercussions.

Communication

Authorized individuals often need to communicate regularly with their superiors to provide updates on their progress and seek approval for major decisions. This communication is essential to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the authorized individual is following the proper protocols. Empowered individuals also need to communicate with their superiors, but the nature of this communication is often more collaborative, with a focus on sharing ideas and seeking input rather than seeking approval.

Trust

Trust is a key factor in both authorization and empowerment. When someone is authorized to do something, it means that their superiors trust them to carry out their responsibilities effectively and in accordance with the organization's goals. Empowerment takes trust to the next level, as it involves giving individuals the freedom to make decisions and take action without constant oversight, based on the belief that they have the skills and judgment to do so effectively.

Development

Being authorized to do something can be a stepping stone to being empowered. As individuals demonstrate their ability to handle responsibilities effectively and make sound decisions, they may be given more autonomy and authority. Empowerment can also be a form of professional development, as it allows individuals to take on new challenges, learn from their experiences, and grow in their roles within the organization.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both authorized and empowered individuals have the ability to make decisions and take action within an organization, there are key differences in the nature of their authority, responsibility, communication, and trust. Being authorized means having official permission to do something within a defined scope, while being empowered means having the autonomy and trust to make decisions independently. Both forms of authority have their benefits and drawbacks, and organizations must carefully consider which approach is best suited to their goals and culture.