The difference between formally defined authority and authority exercised in practice.
Full Definition
Explicit authority is formally documented, structurally assigned, and visibly defined.
Implicit authority emerges through informal influence, tenure, urgency, or power concentration.
In stable systems, explicit authority governs execution.
In unstable systems, implicit authority begins to override formal structures.
When implicit authority dominates, decision logic becomes opaque and accountability erodes.
Structural Role in NAP
Within NAP, divergence between implicit and explicit authority signals containment failure.
It affects Decision Integrity, weakens Decision Boundaries, and accelerates Authority Diffusion.
Stable systems align informal influence with formal structure rather than allowing shadow governance to emerge.
