What is implied authority?

Implied authority refers to the authority that is necessary for an individual to effectively carry out their explicitly granted authority. This means that even if not explicitly stated, certain powers or responsibilities are inherently understood as part of executing the explicit tasks assigned. For instance, if a contracting officer is authorized to negotiate contracts, they would also have implied authority to engage in discussions or obtain necessary information to make those negotiations effective. This type of authority allows for practical execution of duties that may not be explicitly detailed in writing but are essential for achieving the objectives of the authority granted.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of implied authority. Authority expressed in writing pertains to explicit authority, which does not involve the nuances of implied authority. Authority arising from regulations alone does not characterize the concept as it must also encompass necessary actions in practice. Lastly, authority assumed based on common practices may indicate a pattern but does not specifically define the inherent types of powers that are necessary to fulfill one's obligated functions under explicit authority.