> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://adizes-institute.gitbook.io/adizes/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://adizes-institute.gitbook.io/adizes/wiki/a.md).

# a

Stands for “authority,” the legal right to make a decision arising out of one’s position in the organization. Authority is the right to say both “yes” and “no” to a decision.

This authority is independent of a person’s capabilities, knowledge, personality, connections, etc. 

The a (for authority) is lowercase to prevent confusion with the (A) role of management.