The ability to command obedience is called "authority". Authority refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. It is the ability to influence others and make them follow a certain course of action or behavior. An authority figure can be someone who holds a formal position of power, such as a boss or a government official, or someone who has earned respect and recognition through their expertise or personal qualities. The concept of authority is essential for maintaining order and stability in organizations, communities, and societies as a whole.