What is the term for an agent's authority to take actions not explicitly authorized to carry out their express authority?

Implied authority refers to the power an agent has to take actions that are not specifically outlined in their express authority but are necessary to effectively carry out the responsibilities that have been explicitly granted to them. This concept is rooted in the idea that while certain actions are not detailed, they are understood to be part of the overall duties entrusted to the agent, allowing them to act decisively to fulfill their role.

For example, if an employee is authorized to negotiate contracts on behalf of a company, they might also have implied authority to make minor decisions that facilitate those negotiations, such as negotiating terms that are common in industry practices. This understanding helps to ensure that agents can perform their roles effectively without needing to seek approval for every small action that supports their express authority.

In contrast, express authority specifically delineates what an agent is permitted to do, while apparent authority relates to the perception by third parties of an agent's authority, which may lead to binding agreements even if there is no direct authorization. Required authority does not exist as a commonly used term in this context, making implied authority the correct choice for actions beyond those explicitly outlined.