authority

n. the capacity to influence others. Formal authority enables an individual to exert influence as a result of either high, legally recognized office (legitimate authority) or high rank in a long-established but not legally codified hierarchy (traditional authority). Informal authority is based on the individual having either attributes that facilitate the achievement of a group’s goals (rational or expert authority) or an attractive and authoritative personality serving to enhance his or her credibility (charismatic authority).

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Psychology term of the day

February 11th 2025

clerical aptitude

1. the ability to learn specific skills required for office work, such as perceptual speed (e.g., comparing names or numbers), speed in typing, error location, and vocabulary.

2. the measure of individual abilities in the following areas: vocabulary (understanding words and ideas), arithmetic (handling figures easily and accurately), and checking (recognizing similarities and differences rapidly).