3 laws of authority

1) If the world was reasonable then there wouldn't be a need for authority

2) People do because they can

3) Happy authority is a happy you.

Explained
1) The only reason why people need "power" is to make sure things happen that would not normally happen. Thus we know the world doesn't work right. And, if it doesn't work right why should management be any different?

2) The only thing that stops people from doing things is the fact that they can't. The moment they can they will do them, regardless of reasonability.

3) You can't expect authority to be generous and constructive if it is itself hassled. The first thing it will do according to rule 2 is use its power to off load the problem onto those below. Afterall what else is the point of being in authority?

Idealists might argue that this is cynical and not what authroity is about, but unfortunately the failings in human nature that are the reason for authority are also the weaknesses of the very people in authority. Giving authroity to a cat so that it can stop other cats from eating the birds is well... who ever thought it would work? Oh sorry its unreasonable ... rule 1