Which term refers to the decision-making power a manager has over their team?

The term that refers to the decision-making power a manager has over their team is "authority." Authority is defined as the legitimate power granted to a person to make decisions, give orders, and direct activities within an organization. It enables managers to take actions essential for accomplishing tasks and achieving organizational goals. Authority typically encompasses the right to command resources, including personnel, budget, and materials, allowing managers to effectively lead their teams.

In contrast, responsibility refers to the obligation to perform certain tasks and the duty to report on the outcomes. Empowerment involves giving employees the autonomy to make decisions and act on their own, which can be seen as a delegation of authority but is distinct in that it emphasizes enhancing the capabilities of team members. Accountability is the obligation to answer for outcomes or actions taken, ensuring that individuals or teams are responsible for the results of their decisions. While all these terms are interrelated in a managerial context, authority specifically addresses the decision-making power held by managers.