The correct answer is: D. None of the above
Authority can flow in multiple directions, depending on the situation. In some cases, authority may flow from a superior to a subordinate. For example, a manager may have authority over their employees. In other cases, authority may flow from a subordinate to a superior. For example, a doctor may have authority over their patients. In still other cases, authority may flow from one peer to another. For example, two co-workers may have equal authority over a project they are working on together.
The direction of authority is determined by the specific situation and the relationships between the people involved. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how authority flows.
Option A: Authority always flows from superior to subordinate. This is not always the case. In some cases, authority may flow from a subordinate to a superior. For example, a doctor may have authority over their patients.
Option B: Authority always flows from subordinate to superior. This is not always the case. In some cases, authority may flow from a superior to a subordinate. For example, a manager may have authority over their employees.
Option C: Both A and B. This is not always the case. In some cases, authority may flow in one direction, while in other cases it may flow in the other direction. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how authority flows.