While “authorization” is a universal concept, 授权 (shòuquán) in China is deeply tied to the cultural importance of hierarchy and official procedure. In many Western contexts, authorization might be a procedural step. In China, it is a clear act reinforcing a hierarchical structure. The person who can 授权 (shòuquán) is explicitly the one with the 权 (quán), or power. This act is often not complete with a mere verbal agreement or email. It frequently requires a formal document, and most importantly, the company's official red seal or chop (公章 - gōngzhāng). Attempting to act without the proper, formally documented 授权 is a serious misstep, as it's seen as circumventing the established chain of command and showing disrespect for the hierarchy. This contrasts with some Western business cultures where a degree of empowered autonomy might be more assumed. In China, it's safer and more respectful to always seek explicit 授权.
授权 (shòuquán) is a formal and very common term in professional, legal, and digital life.
A common pitfall for learners is confusing 授权 (shòuquán) with more general words for permission, like 允许 (yǔnxǔ) or 同意 (tóngyì).
Incorrect Usage: You want to borrow your friend's pen.
Using 授权 in a casual context where no real authority is being transferred is a common and often amusing mistake for learners.