The correct answer is: B. The formal authority theory
Formal authority is a type of authority that is granted to a person by virtue of their position in an organization. This type of authority is based on the belief that the person in the position has the right to give orders and that others have the obligation to obey those orders.
The formal authority theory is based on the idea that people will obey orders from those in authority because they believe that those in authority have the right to give orders. This theory is often used to explain why people obey the orders of their superiors in the workplace.
The other options are incorrect because they do not refer to a type of authority that is invested with the persons by virtue of the office held by them.
- Option A, the acceptance of authority theory, is a theory that explains why people obey authority. This theory states that people obey authority because they believe that it is legitimate.
- Option C, the competence theory, is a theory that explains why people are given authority. This theory states that people are given authority because they are competent to exercise that authority.
- Option D, the organization theory, is a theory that explains how organizations are structured and how they function. This theory does not refer to a type of authority.