What is described as the power to command individuals to act in specific ways?

The concept that describes the power to command individuals to act in specific ways is authority. Authority refers to the legitimate power that an individual or organization possesses, allowing them to direct or control the actions of others based on accepted social norms or recognized status. When someone has authority, their commands are often seen as justified and are expected to be followed.

In contrast, while dominance may imply control, it often lacks the legitimacy associated with authority. Influence refers to the ability to alter someone's thoughts or behaviors without explicit command, relying more on persuasion than directive power. Power is a broader term that encompasses various forms of influence or control but does not specifically denote the accepted or legitimate command over others that authority implies. Thus, authority is the most accurate term to describe the ability to command behaviors through recognized power structures.