Communication in Groups and Organizations

in chapter 6 of his book, cialdini notes that there is strong pressure in our society for compliance with the requests of an authority figure. he adds that people follow authority figures because such individuals possess high levels of knowledge, wisdom and power.

i would not necessarily agree that authority figures have more knowledge and wisdom. there are certainly people out there who are more knowledgeable and wiser then me but i do not blindly follow them. i would have to say that power is the key. authority figures have power and that is why people follow them. without power, authority figures would be nothing. by having power, they are able to somewhat frighten others into doing their bidding. thoughts?