Projects and People:
Authority of a Project Manager
The authority of the Project Manager is usually in dynamic tension with the authority of the functional department (line) managers. In well run organizations, the project manager has broad authority over all elements of the project, but most particularly over the areas of cost, schedule, and planned results. The functional manager’s role is to provide adequate resources at the appropriate times and to participate in technical direction. The Project Manager is responsible for the communications and relationship with the functional managers.

Another limiting factor is that the project manager seldom has direct, unilateral authority over the team members or support personnel for the project.

Consequently, successful project managers must learn to exercise authority indirectly, often through a network of alliances with the functional managers. The strength of a project manager’s network often depends on that persons reputation, both technically and personally.